New Delhi: Government on Monday pitched for
close partnerships between the industry and academia for
developing a vaccine to combat AIDS, which is the fourth
largest killer across the globe.
"The global quest towards development of a safe,
effective and affordable HIV vaccine requires innovative
scientific approaches, close partnerships between industry and
academia in India as well as across the world," Science and
Technology Minister Prithviraj Chavan said.
Making a statement on the occasion of World AIDS Vaccine
Day, Chavan said vaccine development required long-term
sustainable commitments and assured financial resources by
different agencies.
"AIDS vaccine development should be part of a
comprehensive approach to prevention of HIV/AIDS," K
Chandramouli, Director General, National AIDS Control
Organisation said.
Currently, there is an estimated 22.7 lakh people living
with AIDS in India.
Worldwide, AIDS is the fourth largest killer and for
every two people receiving treatment, another five are newly
infected with HIV.
PTI
First Published: Monday, May 17, 2010, 20:11