World health report 2004: changing history

This 2004 report from the World Health Organization (WHO) argues that tackling HIV/AIDS is the world’s most urgent public health challenge. Unknown barely a quarter of a century ago, HIV/AIDS is now the leading cause of death for young adults worldwide. The Report calls for a comprehensive HIV/AIDS strategy that links prevention, treatment, care and long-term support. It goes on to look at the following strategies: treatment initiatives; community participation: advocacy and action; sharing research and knowledge; and, strengthening health systems.

Until now, treatment has been the most neglected element in most developing countries: WHO and its partners have declared the treatment gap a global emergency and have launched a drive to provide 3 million people in developing countries with antiretroviral therapy by the end of 2005, one of the most ambitious public health projects ever conceived. This report aims to show how it can be done. It goes further, looking beyond 2005, to explain how international organizations, national governments, the private sector and communities can combine their strengths and simultaneously fortify health systems for the enduring benefit of all. [adapted from author]