July 2005

AIDS is not a problem for Africa alone

In this week's issue of THE LANCET embargoed in North America for 6:30pm ET Thursday July 7 2005

An Editorial in this week's issue of The Lancet comments that "Africa is not the only country struggling against AIDS." The Editorial emphasises the danger of making the campaign against AIDS synonymous with other Africa-focused anti-poverty efforts. 76% of unmet need for antiretroviral treatment is in sub-Saharan Africa. But behind South Africa, India is the country with the highest number of those who need treatment, with an estimated 735 000 receiving no drugs. Ironically, India's generic drug industry supplies medication to half the people on antiretroviral therapy in the entire developing world.