WHO & UNAIDS 3 by 5 AIDS Initiative : Treat 3 Million by 2005

The 3 by 5 target is to distribute antiretroviral treatment to 3 million HIV / AIDS affected people in 50 developing countries by the end of 2005.

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. This is a vital step towards the ultimate goal of providing universal access of HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment accessible for all who need them as a human right. Read more about the About the 3 by 5 Strategy. WHO recently updated the antiretroviral treatment guidelines.

Why is the problem 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.