UNAids may get overhaul

The departure of the head of an international HIV/Aids organisation may signal a change in focus, according to experts.

A report in the Lancet revealed medical commentators views of the future of UNAids once head Peter Piot steps down at the end of 2008.

While the creation of a specific body to deal with HIV/Aids within the United Nations was welcomed, it failed to focus on high-risk groups, Medical News Today reported.

These included the decriminalisation of homosexuality and access to health services for sex workers and intravenous drug users.

However, UNAids had managed to achieve lower prices for antiretroviral drugs for HIV/Aids patients thanks to cooperation with non-governmental organisation and civil society groups.

Mr Piot was instrumental in raising the profile of the disease and gaining increased funding to $10 billion in 2007.

Politics fellow at Oxford University Devi Sridhar said: "The global health landscape of 2008 is radically different to back then, and in line with this change, UNAids needs to evolve to stay relevant."

Replacement executive director of UNAids has been named as Michel Sidibe.

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