The Department of Health and activists welcomed the WHO's move to step up the battle against HIV/Aids in its annual health report released yesterday.
In its 'Changing History' report, the World Health Organisation identifies the HIV/Aids pandemic as the world's most urgent public health challenge.
The disease has killed more than 20 million people worldwide, and at least 46 million are living with HIV/Aids, the report says. Two-thirds of this total live in Africa, while one-fifth live in Asia.
The report says treatment initiatives have been the most neglected aspect in the comprehensive strategy against HIV/Aids.
The Department of Health welcomed the WHO's move to focus on HIV prevention and care.
'The global pandemic demands leadership from the WHO and the commitment of all countries and territories, including Hong Kong,' a department spokesman said.