More infections and more AIDS deaths in 2005 than ever before

THROUGHOUT the developed, western world, the availability of antiretroviral drugs in recent years has done much to stem the flow of deaths resulting from HIV and AIDS, but the situation in developing countries provides a bleak contrast.

Almost six years ago, 189 members of the United Nations signed the UNGASS Declaration of Commitment on HIV and AIDS, setting various targets which were to be met within five years.

However, despite progress in some parts of the world, 2005 saw more new infections (4.9 million) and more AIDS deaths (3.1 million) than ever before.