DPA
Manila- The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday called for wider implementation of the "no condom, no sex" policy in the Asia-Pacific region to boost the fight against HIV/AIDS. Richard Nesbit, acting director of the WHO Western Pacific regional office based in Manila, noted that 100-per cent condom use has been effective in reducing HIV infections in many countries.
He cited Cambodia, where the nationwide expansion of the 100-per cent condom use programme in 2000 has resulted in "dramatic results" as new HIV infections decreased by more than 80 per cent.
In Thailand, an estimated 5.7 million HIV infections had been averted, not only among sex workers, but also the public, after health authorities promoted condom use.
Even police have been enlisted to support the condom use programme in Thailand, Nesbit noted.
"There are many AIDS success stories in terms of prevention, but the failure to act effectively has led to more than 40 million people infected with HIV globally and 25 million deaths," he said.
In 2005 alone, there were more than 5 million new HIV infections globally and three million deaths.
"However, it is possible to turn the AIDS epidemic around by preventing millions from becoming infected," Nesbit said.
He noted that the "no condom, no sex" policy was also being implemented in various stages in China, Laos, Mongolia, the Philippines and Vietnam.
However, coverage was still limited.
"Despite successes, coverage of even basic prevention interventions for sex workers remains less than 20 per cent in the region and worldwide," Nesbit said.
The call for greater action came as Asia-Pacific health experts gathered in Manila for a three-day meeting on HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care.
The meeting, sponsored by the WHO and the United Nations Population Fund, seeks to identify strategies for scaling up the 100 per cent condom use programme among sex workers and their clients.
He cited Cambodia, where the nationwide expansion of the 100-per cent condom use programme in 2000 has resulted in "dramatic results" as new HIV infections decreased by more than 80 per cent.
In Thailand, an estimated 5.7 million HIV infections had been averted, not only among sex workers, but also the public, after health authorities promoted condom use.
Even police have been enlisted to support the condom use programme in Thailand, Nesbit noted.
"There are many AIDS success stories in terms of prevention, but the failure to act effectively has led to more than 40 million people infected with HIV globally and 25 million deaths," he said.
In 2005 alone, there were more than 5 million new HIV infections globally and three million deaths.
"However, it is possible to turn the AIDS epidemic around by preventing millions from becoming infected," Nesbit said.
He noted that the "no condom, no sex" policy was also being implemented in various stages in China, Laos, Mongolia, the Philippines and Vietnam.
However, coverage was still limited.
"Despite successes, coverage of even basic prevention interventions for sex workers remains less than 20 per cent in the region and worldwide," Nesbit said.
The call for greater action came as Asia-Pacific health experts gathered in Manila for a three-day meeting on HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care.
The meeting, sponsored by the WHO and the United Nations Population Fund, seeks to identify strategies for scaling up the 100 per cent condom use programme among sex workers and their clients.
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