Response to the global AIDS pandemic: the global AIDS fund--will it be enough and will it succeed?

Thus after three days of contentious debate involving cultural and political sensitivities the 189-member body of the U.N. Assembly agreed to a 103-point "Declaration of Commitment" that sets goals aimed at controlling AIDS as well as timetables for achieving such goals. The document calls for a wide variety of actions some of which are listed below: 1. Reducing the prevalence of HIV among 15 to 24-year-olds in the most affected countries by 5% by 2005 and 25% globally by 2010. 2. Insuring that by 2005 at least 90% of 15 to 24-year-olds have access to AIDS education and preventive services to reduce their vulnerability to HIV. 3. Reducing the proportion of infants infected with HIV by 20% by 2005 and by 50% by 2010 through a variety of measures to prevent mother-to-child transmission including antiretroviral drug treatment and provision of breast milk substitutes. 4. Developing programs and health care infrastructure by 2003 to allow access to affordable patented and generic anti-HIV drugs within the framework of international laws. 5. Expanding access to "essential commodities" to prevent the spread of HIV including male and female condoms and clean needles. 6. Increasing investment and spending research on the development of HIV vaccines. 7. Providing special assistance to children and orphans affected by HIV/AIDS. (excerpt)