Takamitsu Kishimoto, organizing committee chairman of the 7th International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific (ICAAP) noted here Saturday that the potential of HIV becoming more wide spread among youth remained a serious concern and actions taken now were likely to determine the future course of the epidemic.

The epidemic caused by HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), present throughout Asia and the Pacific, was on the verge of explosive expansion. Even though the epidemic was relatively new to the region, it had hit susceptible populations hard, and the impact was evident, Kishimoto told reporters.

Ten years had passed since the disastrous 1995 earthquake in the west port of Japan that killed more than 5,000, "Kobe is now hosting the 7th ICAAP from Friday to Tuesday with efforts and solidarity to fight against AIDS in Asia-Pacific region as the rest of the world," Kishimoto told reporters.

Recently estimated number showed rapid growth of HIV-positive individuals among youth in the Asia-Pacific region, especially Asia. The number of positive people in East Asia rose 44.7 percent to approximately 1.1 million in 2004, over half were under 35 years old.

"It is the fastest growth rate in the world, exceeding that of East Europe and Central Asia, including countries of the former Soviet Union," the UN Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) said Friday in a new report on HIV/AIDS.

The goals of the 7th ICAAP, following the tradition of past congresses, are to increase understanding of the epidemic and related issues in the region, share the lessons and hops learned, and gain insights applicable to future efforts.

Under the theme "Bridging Science and Community," the congress, encouraging a greater involvement of people living with HIV/AIDS and other affected communities, will present the most recent achievements in science and community work and will encompass efforts and activities related to prevention, care and treatment at all levels.

2005 is the year that the United Nations, under the 2001 special session on HIV/AIDS and its Declaration of Commitment, expects member states to report significant progress in implementing strategies against the virus and disease, Kishimoto said.

It is also the year results of the "Treat Three Million by 2005", the "3 by 5" Initiative of the World Health Organization and the UNAIDS, will be first evaluated, he said, urging countries in the Asia-Pacific region and the world to share their wisdom and strengthen solidarity in the fight against HIV/AIDS among youth to make 2005 a milestone year of global efforts.

Source: Xinhua