In response to the urgent need for action to reduce the growing numbers of new HIV infections, the board of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), this week unanimously approved a new policy approach to intensify HIV prevention efforts.

The governing board for the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) has unanimously agreed to put into practice recommendations on how the UN system and other multilateral institutions can work better together to strengthen the AIDS response in developing countries.

The number of people receiving combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV/AIDS in developing countries is increasing significantly – more than doubling from 400 000 in December 2003 to approximately one million in June 2005 – according to a new report released today by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). However, access to HIV treatment continues to fall short of the growing need, and overall progress is unlikely to be fast enough to reach the target set by WHO and UNAIDS of treating three million people by the end of 2005.

Almost US$22 billion will be needed in 2008 to reverse spread of AIDS in the developing world, according to latest estimates.

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) is pleased to announce the appointment of the speaker of the Fijian House of Representatives Ratu Epeli Nailatikau as UNAIDS Special Representative for the Pacific.

The Mozambican chapter of the World Conference of Religions for Peace (WCRP/COREM – Conselho das Religiões em Moçambique), UNICEF and UNAIDS are joining forces as part of an initiative to strengthen the capacities of faith-based organizations in Mozambique to better respond to families and communities affected by HIV and AIDS.

The United States and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) today congratulated China on its increased efforts to strengthen its response to AIDS and called for further commitments at all levels and through all sectors, as they commence a three-day mission to the south western province of Yunnan.

Today on the occasion of the granting of an honorary doctorate to UNICEF at the University of Antwerp, HRH Princess Mathilde announced her acceptance to become a UNICEF and UNAIDS Special Representative for children affected by and living with HIV/AIDS.

Despite encouraging signs that the AIDS epidemic is beginning to be contained in a small but growing number of countries, the epidemic continues to expand worldwide, according to a report released by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

Three United Nations leaders today called for the world to refocus its attention on the chronic problems and humanitarian needs of millions of people in southern Africa, especially children.