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By 2015, the number of new HIV infections will be reduced by 25%
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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The United States has set a goal of reducing new HIV infections by 25 percent by 2015. Speaking at the International AIDS Conference, a senior U.S. health official said the goal was part of a national prevention strategy and urged other countries to develop similar strategies.
Deputy Health Secretary Howard Koch told delegates from around the world that national strategies are critical to preventing the spread of AIDS and reducing the incidence of the disease:
"National strategies set out the conceptual framework for the fight against AIDS. These strategies are developed taking into account the country's epidemiological situation, incidence rates and trends. They also demonstrate the importance of country leadership in developing AIDS programmes and the need to maximise the effectiveness of these programmes."
He said the incidence of AIDS in the United States must be reduced by 25 percent in the next three years, both by treating those already infected and by preventing it. In addition, public awareness must be raised. An estimated one in five people with HIV does not know they are infected.
Koch gave an example of a program implemented by the Washington Department of Motor Vehicles:
"Customers waiting in line to get a driver's license or other services can get a free HIV test."
Koch said 1.1 million Americans have AIDS, and about 50,000 people become infected with the virus each year. He said the disease is most prevalent among African-American and Hispanic gay men, African-American women and drug addicts, especially in urban areas.
The conference, which runs until Friday, is attended by more than 23,000 scientists, activists and other interested parties.