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Twenty-two countries in Sub-Saharan Africa have reduced new HIV infections by more than 25 percent, according to new UNAIDS data on the progress made towards Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 6.
The data released ahead of the United Nations Summit on the MDGs from 20 to 22 September 2010, showed that countries with the largest epidemics in Africa including Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe, are leading in the reduction of new HIV infections. MGD 6 aims to combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases
Between 2001 and 2009, according to the data, the number of new HIV infections steadily fell or stabilised in most parts of the world.
"We are seeing real progress towards MDG 6, for the first time change is happening at the heart of the epidemic, in places where HIV was stealing away dreams, we now have hope," said UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé.
The data showed that there are now 5.2 million people on HIV treatment and that AIDS deaths have dropped significantly since the widespread availability of treatment. There were 200 000 fewer deaths in 2008 than in 2004.
The UNAIDS recommended that national governments allocate between 0.5 percent and 3 percent of government revenue on HIV, depending on the HIV prevalence of the country. - BuaNews
