Moves to extend HIV treatment are bearing fruit – with a massive increase in the numbers starting treatment last year, a major global conference was told yesterday.
The numbers receiving treatment last year climbed by more than 20 per cent – reaching some 5.2 million, according to the World Health Organisation.
The findings were revealed at the International Aids Conference in Vienna, Austria.
They reflect deals on pricing together with a relaxation in attitudes in countries such as South Africa.
WHO officials said health services must continue to push to increase the numbers being treated.
WHO HIV director Dr Gottfried Hirnschall said: "Starting treatment earlier gives us an opportunity to enable people living with HIV to stay healthier and live longer."
He added: "In addition to saving lives, earlier treatment also has prevention benefits. Because treatment reduces the level of virus in the body, it means HIV-positive people are less likely to pass the virus on to their partners."
Dr Bernhard Schwartlander, of the United Nations Aids programme, welcomed the progress.
He said: "People with weaker immune systems who come late for treatment require more complex and costly drugs and services than those who start treatment earlier and are healthier."
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