The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria released its annual report today, saying mother-to-child HIV transmission could be virtually eliminated within five years provided the world continues to boost funds for the initiative. "A world where no children are born with HIV is truly possible by 2015," Global Fund chief Michel Kazatchkine said at the report's launch.

"It is also possible now to imagine a world with no more malaria deaths, since already an increasing number of countries have been reporting a reduction in malaria deaths of more than 50 percent over the past couple of years. No other areas of development have seen such a direct and rapid correlation between donor investments and life-saving impact as these investments in fighting AIDS, TB and malaria," said Kazatchkine. A donor funding meeting is scheduled for later this month in the Netherlands.

Global Fund programs have provided antiretroviral (ARV) treatment to 790,000 HIV-positive pregnant women, representing about 45 percent of those in need. Reaching the goal of 100 percent depends on ongoing donor commitments, the fund said. The Global Fund is seeking at least $13 billion in support.

UNAIDS head Michel Sidibe noted that just a few years ago in Africa, less than 50,000 people were receiving ARVs. That number now totals 3.5 million. Worldwide in 2009, more than 4 million people were on ARV treatment and around 6 million with active TB were treated, according to the report.

Activists called on donors to keep their AIDS funding pledges. "We're starting to see worrying signs that donors have actually thrown in the towel and are starting to shift their attention and accordingly their resources to other areas," said Paula Akugizibwe of the AIDS and Rights Alliance for Southern Africa.