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In countries like South Africa, where AIDS drugs are freely available, the reluctance to take them has presented an unexpected barrier.
The fear of side effects and stigma, widespread scepticism of Western medicines and reverence for traditional healers has led many patients to shun treatment.
Some AIDS activists have blamed the situation on President Thabo Mbeki and Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, who, instead of promoting the drugs, have emphasised good nutrition and clean water as key to treating HIV and AIDS.
The Washington Post quoted Zachie Achmat, head of the AIDS lobby group, Treatment Action Campaign, as saying: "A very big part of the problem is the government is still in denial."
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