“The United Nations [on Saturday] launched a new framework which seeks to give 15 million people with HIV/AIDS access to antiretroviral treatment by the year 2015,” the U.N. News Centre reports. “The framework [.pdf], titled Treatment 2015, offers countries and partners practical and innovative ways to increase the number of people accessing antiretroviral medicines that will enable those living with HIV to live longer and healthier lives, as well as help prevent new infections,” the news service writes (7/13). “Developed in consultation with a range of stakeholders, Treatment 2015 takes into account the new consolidated guidelines on the use of antiretroviral drugs for treating and preventing HIV infection released last month by the [WHO],” according to a UNAIDS press release, which notes, “The guidelines recommend that people living with HIV start antiretroviral therapy (ART) much earlier” (7/13). “The framework noted that 30 countries accounted for nine out of 10 people who were eligible for antiretroviral therapy but who did not have access,” PANA/AfriqueJet writes, adding, “The new strategy emphasized the importance of HIV testing and counseling as a gateway to expand access to antiretroviral therapy in these 30 countries, and outlined three pillars essential to reaching the 2015 target.” The news service notes, “They consist of increasing demand for HIV testing and treatment services, mobilizing resources and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of spending and ensuring more people have access to antiretroviral therapy” (7/14).