AIDS bill sets unclear treatment target

Thu Jul 31, 2008 5:05 PM EDT

Katharine Euphrat, Associated Press Writer

The global AIDS bill signed by President Bush on Wednesday sets a goal of treating more than the 2 million-patient target set in 2003, but how much more isn't clear.

In signing the bill, President Bush said, "With this funding, we will support treatment for at least 3 million people." However, the bill itself doesn't set a specific target.

Early versions of the bill that passed the House specified a target of treating at least 3 million people by 2013, but that number was removed in the final version that Bush signed. Instead, the bill now says U.S. policy is to increase the number of people receiving anti-retroviral treatment beyond the original goal of 2 million.

The $48 billion measure renews the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, which is set to expire in September. The program has been credited by Republicans and Democrats alike with saving millions of lives in Africa alone.

The State Department said 1.7 million people had received treatment as of March 31 and the original bill's 2 million-person goal will be reached by December.