New research backs WHO AIDS treatment plan

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has welcomed new research highlighting the increased survival rate of HIV-positive people who have access to antiretroviral drug therapy. While the recently released report focused on findings in rich countries, it said the experience of WHO and public health workers in clinics around the world showed that antiretroviral therapy (ART) could be delivered effectively and with equally dramatic results in developing countries. In a statement WHO said the research gave the organisation added backing for its "3 by 5" plan to deliver HIV/AIDS to three million people in developing countries by the end of 2005. The head of WHO's "3 by 5" team, Dr Charlie Gilks, said: "Treatment with antiretrovirals works for everyone - rich and poor. Now the poor urgently need access to these drugs." He said the team were determined to simplify treatments, and to ensure that affordable, quality drugs reached those in need as quickly as possible.