The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Wednesday emphasised its "3 by 5" plan to provide antiretrovirals to some 3 million people living with HIV/AIDS in developing countries by the end of 2005.
WHO said it would announce a comprehensive, worldwide antiretroviral treatment strategy for the plan on World AIDS Day, 1 December 2003.
However, WHO director-general, Dr Lee Jong-Wook, said providing medicine to 3 million people required a stronger commitment from civil society.
Lee said in a statement: "In the African region, more than 30 million people are HIV-positive. People are dying every day. They urgently need treatment. Overall success will require the commitment of civil society, UN agencies, the private sector and member states."
He vowed to support developing countries in strengthening their public health efforts and pledged more specialists and resources for WHO country offices.
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