International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

Recent falls in international funding are "a major problem" for those trying to combat the HIV/Aids epidemic.

This is according to a spokeswoman for UK-based charity Avert, which aims to provide treatment, care and education about the virus to people all over the world.

Globally, almost 34 million individuals are living with HIV, although new infections have declined by 15 per cent since 2001, deaths have fallen 21 per cent over the last five years and 1.39 million more sufferers eligible for antiretroviral drugs have access to them compared with 2009, she highlighted.

However, a reduction in the amount of money being poured into research by the international community is making it more difficult to achieve the aim of Getting to Zero.

This means no new infections, Aids-related mortalities or discrimination and is the theme of World Aids Day 2011 on December 1st.

"It is important for the global community not to take their eye off the ball with regards to the Aids epidemic," the spokeswoman warned.

Posted by Carla Mackenzie