President's HIV/AIDS strategy exceeds targets

The first five years of the US government's commitment to tackle HIV/AIDS have exceeded their initial targets.

By September 2008, over 2.1 million people affected by the virus had been given access to crucial antiretroviral treatment across the world.

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice addressed Congress on Monday (January 12th) to present the fifth annual report from the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

Secretary Rice said: "A disease that was once thought to be a death sentence... is now a disease that America is helping people to live with and to manage, so that they can be a part of their children's lives going forward."

Ms Rice also hinted at the legacy this initiative would maintain after the end of the current administration on January 20th.

"I don't think that anything will stand as strongly in the hearts and minds of people around the world, but also in our own consciousness, as the work and the achievements of PEPFAR," she said.

It is estimated PEPFAR has received some $18.8 billion (£12.8 billion) in its fight against HIV and AIDS worldwide.