January 25, 2005 Ottawa -- The Honourable Aileen Carroll, Minister of International Cooperation, today welcomed the release of the "3 by 5" Progress Report, which outlines how far the World Health Organization and UNAIDS have come in providing three million people living with HIV/AIDS in developing and transitional countries with antiretroviral therapy by the end of 2005. Minister Carroll said, "Today, Canada welcomes the progress made to date as described in the report. In the second half of 2004, we have seen a dramatic increase in the number of people on antiretroviral therapy. In developing and transitional countries, an estimated 720,000 people are receiving treatment - up from 440,000. And generally, the numbers of women on therapy have increased as rapidly as those for men. This is good news. In 2000, the leaders of the world, including Canada, made a commitment to the Millennium Development Goals - a global yardstick against which the world can measure progress in key areas. These goals include halting and beginning to reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS by 2015. In our efforts to meet that goal, Canada has made a clear commitment to those in developing countries who are living with HIV/AIDS, or who are most at risk of becoming infected by announcing a $100-million contribution to the World Health Organization for the 3 by 5 initiative. The Government of Canada believes that global efforts to treat those who are affected must be scaled up quickly. That's why we are the largest donor in support of this vital initiative. Canada's commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS is long-standing. We are stepping up efforts and taking a smart approach in our response working with our many partners across the globe to prevent more infections through education and research, while helping those already infected live longer and better lives by supporting treatment and care, and building capacity in developing countries to better deal with the pandemic. While highlighting the important progress the world community has made in the fight against this deadly disease, the progress report reminds us that much remains to be done -- there are still an estimated 39.4 million people around the world are living with HIV. Canadians can be proud that we are doing our part. We are leading by example, we are sharing our expertise... we are making a difference." - 30 - Information: Andrew Graham Director of Communications Office of the Minister of International Cooperation Telephone: (819) 953-6238 Media Relations Office Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) Telephone: (819) 953-6534 E-mail: info@acdi-cida.gc.ca Web site: www.cida.gc.ca
