Researchers in China have found. that treating people with HIV, who have uninfected partners significantly reduces transmission rates. A clinical trial had shown benefits of antiretroviral (ARV) treatment before. But this trial, reported in the Lancet is the first real-life public health programme of its kind. A British HIV expert said there was a growing consensus that getting ARV drugs to as many people as need them, would cut transmission rates. To mark World Aids Day , the World Health Organization has issued a statement on global progress on cutting new infections and Aids-related deaths. The WHO says improving access to ARV drugs is key to cutting rates further.