Greater access to Aids drugs

THE head of the United Nations Aids programme called yesterday for an increase in access to drugs that help treat or prevent the spread of the disease, saying it is morally wrong to keep millions of people off lifesaving medication.

Michael Sidibe, executive director of UNAIDS, said the gap in access to HIV treatment should be closed both within and between countries.

Sidibe called for better delivery on the ground, a reduction in the number of years it takes to turn scientific discoveries into actual progress for the poor, and increased co-operation among states, pharmaceutical firms and international organisations.