UN backs US HIV travel restriction removal

The removal of a ban of people with HIV travelling to the US has been welcomed by the United Nations (UN).

President Obama has announced plans to overturn the regulation which had been enforced since 1987.

The legislation had restricted non-US nations with HIV from entering the country.

Ban Ki-moon, UN secretary general, said: "I congratulate President Obama on announcing the removal of the travel restrictions for people living with HIV from entering the US."

He also urged all other countries with similar laws to follow suit and overturn them.

The regulation is expected to be removed from the US early in 2010.

While announcing the change, President Obama suggested that this is key to the position of the US as a global leader in the battle against HIV and Aids.

Last week, Germany made a €23 million (£14 million) contribution to the fight against Aids.

The country will provide this funding between 2009 and 2012.

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