United Nations: UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has sought a renewed commitment from governments to tackle the global HIV/AIDS epidemic which has already claimed more than 25 million lives worldwide and devastated communities, especially in Africa.

In a message on the occasion of 20th World Aids Day, yesterday, Ban called for strong leadership to take on the deadly disease without which, he said, "We will not get ahead of the epidemic."

While "tangible and remarkable" progress has been made in a number of areas, including reducing infections and providing care, he emphasised the need to do more on various other fronts. "It is our crucial mission to ensure that everyone can access HIV prevention, treatment, care and support," he said, recalling the pledge made by all Governments last year to work towards universal access by 2010.

The Day is being held amidst questions being raised, whether the UN exaggerated the extent of epidemic to get funds. A recent UN report had revised the figures downwards, giving ground to critics to stress that other equally deadly diseased are being ignored.

The world body had denied that it had doctored the figures, with its officials maintaining that they now had better methodology to calculate the extent of the epidemic. The secretary general also emphasised the need for leadership among governments in fully understanding the epidemic, so that resources go where they are most needed.

In addition he pledged to ensure that the UN becomes a model in responding to the virus.

Source : PTI