In 2003 the World Health Organisation set an ambitious target. By the end of 2005, 3 million people living in the world's poorest countries would be receiving anti-retroviral drugs. In addition, as part of the project, 56 countries have requested assistance from WHO to train health workers and to get them to the places where they are needed.
So, to what extent has the target been met? Are the most needy getting access to the medicines and health professionals they need to keep them alive? What role are governments and drug companies playing? And what are the prospects of those living with HIV and Aids in developing countries?
Nigel Wrench travels to Malawi and South Africa to find out.
