Date:26/06/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/06/26/stories/2005062601350500.htm

Back `Shortfall in funds to fight AIDS in developing world'

Our Bureau

New Delhi , June 25

ALMOST $22 billion will be needed by 2008 to reverse the spread of AIDS in the developing world, according to latest estimates produced by the UNAIDS, an alliance of United Nations agencies fighting HIV and AIDS.

In a statement, UNAIDS has said that the gap between the resources that are available and those that are needed is at least $18 billion between 2005 and 2007. "The funds available are based on pledges and not approved budgets, meaning the gap may be even greater."

"We have come a long way in mobilising extra funds for AIDS, moving from millions to billions, but we still fall short of the $22 billion needed in 2008," said Dr Peter Piot, Executive Director, UNAIDS.