HIV/AIDS cases in region expected to reach 120,000 by 2005

Deaths from the dreaded acquired immune deficiency syndrome or illnesses related to the human immunodeficiency virus — the virus that causes AIDS — in the Western Pacific Region could increase from 70,000 last year to 120,000 next year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

"In general, the situation across the region is worsening. (There were) at least 70,000 adult and child deaths due to HIV/AIDS during 2003. This will rise to about 120,000 by 2005," the WHO stated in a fact sheet.

The WHO has recommended antiretroviral therapy — drugs that prevent the HIV virus from reproducing itself and spreading in the human body — for patients to curb the spread of the disease. Researchers hope such drugs would give scientists enough time to find a cure.

Last year the international health watchdog launched the so-called "Three by Five" program, which aims to have three million people treated with antiretroviral therapy drugs by the end of 2005.

"In developing countries, six million people infected with HIV need access to antiretroviral therapy. Only 300,000 have such access," WHO said.

It listed Cambodia, China, Papua New Guinea and Vietnam as countries that need "priority actions." The WHO hopes that half of the people infected in each of these countries would be able to receive antiretroviral treatment and therefore slow down the spread in the region.

"The key in this initiative will be to have affordable and sustainable drugs. We are not completely there yet, but we hope this matter will be resolved before very long," the agency said.

WHO records show that, in China, intravenous drug users account for about 60 percent of reported HIV cases in 2001. Infected blood products account for 14.5 percent, followed by heterosexual transmission at 7.5 percent.

In Vietnam, intravenous drug users likewise account for 60 percent of cases while in Papua New Guinea, "high-risk" heterosexual practices were to blame for the majority of cases.

However, in Cambodia, HIV prevalence among sex workers dropped to 19.2 percent in 2002 from 22.5 percent in 2000 because of condom use, the WHO said.

The agency gave assurances that other nations will not be neglected. "No country will be left behind. WHO will also support other countries for specific requests for help. In particular, we will make available technical guidelines for care and treatment. WHO will also help with the procurement and supply of antiretroviral drugs."