The 15th International AIDS Conference in Bangkok brought together more than 17,000 scientists, policymakers, aid workers and activists involved in the war on AIDS. Here are some highlights from the biggest such event in history.Mandela makes plea for cash
Nelson Mandela makes an impassioned plea for cash and cooperation to fight AIDS after a week of discord over Washington's go-it-alone approach.
EU shows deep pockets
The European Commission pledges a further 42 million euros ($52 million) to the Global AIDS Fund and urges other states to increase contributions.
Europe backs condoms
British and EU officials speak up for condoms as the first line of defence against AIDS, distancing themselves from the United States, which backs abstinence from sex.
Thailand joins drug club
Thailand joins a Brazil-initiated six-nation pact to make generic AIDS drugs and other prevention products.
Toaster-size AIDS tests
University of Texas scientists unveil an HIV-testing device smaller than a toaster that should speed up diagnosis and treatments in remote regions.
Shot in the arm for TB fight
Research into the dual tuberculosis and AIDS epidemic gets a boost with a $45 million grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
’Brain drain’ threatens Africa
Doctors sound the alarm over the flight of skilled nurses and doctors overseas.
Drug addicts neglected
Researchers say governments are fuelling the epidemic by denying injecting drug users access to prevention and care.
Mandela takes on TB
Nelson Mandela says the war on AIDS could be lost if the world ignores tuberculosis, often a “death sentence” for people with AIDS.
U.S. spurns Annan plea
The United States rejects a plea from Kofi Annan to inject $1 billion a year into the Global AIDS Fund. “It’s not going to happen,” the U.S. AIDS coordinator says.
AIDS drug for kids
Thailand announces the launch of a children’s version of its three-in-one antiretroviral pill to simplify treatment for kids.
Tobias gets heckled
Protestors disrupt a speech by U.S. AIDS coordinator Randall Tobias, chanting “Bush lies, millions die”.
Botswana hits target
Botswana, the first African country to offer free AIDS drugs, says it will get treatment by next year to half of all those who need it.
China owns up to threat
China, acknowledging the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS in some parts of the country, pledges to do all it can to control the disease.
15 million orphaned
A U.N. report says AIDS has robbed 15 million children of one or both parents and reversed a trend toward fewer orphans driven by better health and nutrition.
’Fight AIDS like terrorism’
Kofi Annan says the United States must fight AIDS with the same commitment it shows in the “war on terrorism”.
MSF calls for price cuts
Medecins Sans Frontieres says further drug price cuts are needed for patients in developing countries who develop a resistance to the initial therapy.
China strikes deal
China signs a deal with GlaxoSmithKline to buy antiretroviral drug lamivudine (3TC) at a cut price, a step to making HIV/AIDS treatment more affordable to patients.
Doctors see trade-pact threat
Thai doctors say a planned U.S.-Thai trade pact could drive up the price of drugs by including protections for patented medicines.
Museveni backs abstinence
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni backs abstinence over condoms, drawing fierce criticism from those who see condoms as a frontline defence against AIDS.
ILO counts cost
The International Labour Organisation says HIV/AIDS costs the world $25 billion in annual productivity as it takes its toll on workers.
’Heads in the sand’
Kofi Annan says the war on AIDS is falling short and leaders need to get their heads out of the sand.
’Cheap drugs now’
About 1,000 activists and protestors mark the opening of the AIDS summit with marches and demands for cheaper treatment for more people.
