UNAIDS report for 2003: most deaths and new infections ever; some good news

The global AIDS epidemic is still getting worse. There have been successes, however, and many countries are at a critical stage where they could prevent a major epidemic if they act now; while some are beginning to do so, others are not. Overall there has been a big growth in commitment by governments of rich countries and developing countries alike, though financially the current effort is only about half of what is needed. Stigma remains a major obstacle to stopping the spread of HIV and getting those infected diagnosed and treated.