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A shortage of four million doctors and nurses, mainly in African countries, has become the major obstacle to tackling HIV/AIDS, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Sub-Saharan Africa was worst affected by the shortages as a result of medical staff being lured to developed nations by better working conditions and pay.
"The shortage of health workers is devastating public health systems, particularly in the developing world. It is one of the most significant challenges we face in preventing and treating the pandemic," Dr Anarfi Asamoa-Baah, Assistant Director-General of WHO, told the International AIDS Conference in Toronto, Canada.
HIV/AIDS was also contributing to the shortages through death, disability and the demoralisation of health workers.
WHO hopes to increase the number of health workers in 60 developing countries through its new "Treat, Train, Retain" initiative, which encourages better assistance for medical personnel.
This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions