The UN program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) reported Wednesday a steady decline in worldwide HIV infection rates for the second consecutive year. In 2011, 56 countries reaching stable or declining rates of new HIV infections, the "Together We Will End AIDS" report noted.
Currently, around 34.2 million people live with HIV globally. The report noted progress in the availability of antiretroviral treatment to the poor as one of the most important shift in HIV/AIDS policy.
"In 2011, more than 8 million people living with HIV in low and middle income countries were receiving antiretroviral therapy, up from 6.6 million people in 2010 - for an increase of more than 20 percent," the report noted.
The report also noted progress in the reduction of transmission to children.
"Of the estimated 1.5 million pregnant women living with HIV in low and middle income countries in 2011, 57 percent received effective antiretroviral drugs to prevent transmission of HIV to their children-up from 48 percent in 2010."
The stated purpose of the task force is to achieve "a future of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths."
by RTT Staff Writer
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