AIDS deaths cut in 12 African countries

The number of deaths caused by AIDS has decreased in 12 African countries as a result of a landmark global programme called the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

It has contributed to a fall of more than ten per cent in the dozen countries across the continent.

However, the scheme has concentrated on an abstinence-only approach to reducing AIDS and experts are calling for a more wide-ranging approach.

AIDS Healthcare Foundation, a non-profit HIV healthcare provider, has suggested that handing out free condoms and improving HIV prevention efforts is necessary.

Michael Weinstein, president of AIDS Healthcare Foundation, said: "This study suggests that the focus on abstinence-only has hobbled PEPFAR.

"We are clearly glad to learn that PEPFAR has cut AIDS deaths in Africa by more than ten per cent; however, to learn that this landmark global AIDS program has had no virtually impact in reducing new cases on the continent is disheartening."

PEPFAR was launched in President Bush's State of the Union address in 2003.

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