About the 3 by 5 Initiative
On World AIDS Day 2003, WHO and UNAIDS released a detailed and concrete plan to reach the 3 by 5 target of providing antiretroviral treatment to three million people living with AIDS in developing countries and those in transition by the end of 2005. This is a vital step towards the ultimate goal of providing universal access to AIDS treatment to all those who need it.
THE PROBLEM IS URGENT
- 30 million people have died in two decades. 40 million more people are infected.
- In poor countries, 6 million people with HIV/AIDS need immediate ART. Less than 8% get it.
- Worst hit is sub-Saharan Africa. With 28.5 million people infected, HIV/AIDS has destroyed communities, health care systems and put a shadow upon the future of entire countries.
WHY ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY (ART)?
- ART prolongs lives, making HIV/AIDS a chronic disease, not a death sentence. Affluent countries have seen a 70% decline in HIV/AIDS deaths.
- ART will help calm fears and change attitudes towards HIV.
- ART, as part of a prevention plan, can significantly reduce HIV transmission.
- ART, once very costly, is now much more affordable.
- ART can reduce overall health care costs and restore quality of life.
- WHO and UNAIDS are working to make ART accessible to all.
WHAT WILL 3 by 5 DO?
To reach the 3 by 5 target, WHO and UNAIDS will focus on five critical areas:
- Simplified, standardized tools to deliver antiretroviral therapy.
- A new service to ensure an effective, reliable supply of medicines and diagnostics.
- Rapid identification, dissemination and application of new knowledge and successful strategies.
- Urgent, sustained support for countries.
- Global leadership, strong partnership and advocacy.
THE FUNDING GAP
- The 3 by 5 target is to distribute antiretroviral treatment to 3 million people in 50 developing countries by the end of 2005.
- To do so, WHO, countries and other partners need to train 100 000 health workers, develop health systems and build infrastructure and standards.
- 3 by 5 has an estimated funding gap of US$ 5.5 billion over current commitments.