New York: A new United Nations (UN) initiative aimed at providing anti-retroviral drugs to three million people in developing countries and those in transition by 2005 was unveiled today (Dec 1, 2003) as part of World AIDS Day.

Titled "3/5 strategy", the ambitious World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNAIDS programme seeks to train tens of thousands of community health workers to support the delivery of medicines and for monitoring of millions suffering from Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in the worst affected countries, which face chronic shortage of doctors and other medical staff.

"Preventing and treating AIDS may be the toughest health assignment the world has ever faced, but it is also the most urgent," said Dr Lee Jong-Wook, Director General of the World Health Organisation. "The lives of millions of people are at stake. This strategy demands massive and unconventional efforts to make sure they stay alive," he said.

"The three by five framework is a plan for action by a broad alliance of nations, institutions, and committed people, including those living with HIV/AIDS," said Dr Jack Chow, Assistant Director-General of WHO for HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

"We urge all concerned to work to reach the three by five target as rapidly as possible."

PTI