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.