Along with dire predictions of the widespread future global impact of AIDS on populations, economies and social institutions made at the conference, researchers reported a number of important discoveries and reasons for hope. Promising research also is being conducted on new anti-AIDS drugs designed to boost the immune system while suppressing the virus to near undetectable levels. Such life-sustaining drugs already have had dramatic results in the United States and Europe. And drug companies have pledged to provide the medications at lower cost for pilot programs in Africa. Education programs are resulting in more frank discussion between men and women, and more testing.
Women discuss their status, and men are coming out of their hiding places.
Educational programs such as LoveLife, where volunteers teach young men to play basketball and lead more responsible lives, and the Soweto AIDS Project, aim to spread the message of AIDS prevention in a practical, no-nonsense way. So far, these programs have been limited in scope. CNN correspondents Eileen O'Connor and Charlayne Hunter-Gault and The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you.