WHO's '3 by 5' target surpassed

Uganda has achieved its target of treating 60,000 HIV-positive people by the end of 2005 - six months ahead of schedule. About 64,000 Ugandans are currently receiving antiretroviral therapy, well above the target of 60,000 by the end of the year set by the government under the World Health Organisation's '3 by 5' initiative, which aims to have three million people in the developing world on ARV treatment by 2005. According to the local newspaper, New Vision, acting director of general health services Dr Sam Zaramba attributed this success to the improved coordination of efforts and advocacy for the reduced costs of ARVs. But Zaramba warned against complacency, saying these results could be improved by increased partner support and more healthcare professionals. About 120,000 Ugandans living with HIV/AIDS are still in need of anti-AIDS medication.