The epidemic thrives in settings marked by high degrees of socio-economic insecurity, social exclusion and political instability. 22 million have died. It calls for national strategies to be in place by 2003 to address the spread of AIDS among United Nations peacekeepers and to consider ways of using them to spread AIDS awareness and prevention among their ranks. The awareness card, a practical plastic-coated sleeve the size of a playing card, contains basic facts about HIV and AIDS, a Code of Conduct for Uniformed Services, prevention instructions, and a sleeve in which to carry a condom. However, pledges will be of no avail unless they are put into practice.
Critics see reason enough for anxiety.
Only one billion dollars have been pledged for the Global AIDS Fund launched by the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.