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A leading AIDS economist has dismissed arguments that treating HIV/AIDS in developing countries was not cost-effective, the Associated Press (AP) reported on Sunday.
Many experts, including economists, have argued that improving access to treatment in developing countries would increase drug resistance and encourage risky behaviour.
However, Jean-Paul Moatti, an economics professor at France's University of Marseille, said it was economic "stupidity" not to deliver treatment.
"We have systematically underestimated the impact of AIDS on the economy. It doesn't just kill workers, it kills young adults, and young adults make children, and raise children and human capital," Moatti said.
It is estimated that only about 5 percent of the 30 million people living with HIV/AIDS in developing countries have access to treatment.
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