Bad news on AIDS

Annan says worldwide efforts to stem the growth of the disease don't match its spread:

"Last year saw more new infections and more AIDS-related deaths than ever before. Indeed, HIV and AIDS expanded at an accelerating rate on every continent," Annan said (AP/Boston Globe, 6/3). Annan added that only 12% of people who need antiretroviral treatment worldwide are receiving it, antiretroviral drugs are still too expensive for most of the HIV-positive people in the world, and effective prevention, counseling and testing services were the "exception to the rule," Reuters reports (Leopold, Reuters, 6/3).

Oh, and take this, SGAC vision statement critics - even Annan recognizes AIDS as the crisis of our generation:

"The fight against AIDS may be the great challenge of our age and our generation. Only if we meet this challenge can we succeed in our efforts to build a humane, healthy and equitable world. Let us ensure we are equal to the task."