DHAKA: There is a chance the Aids epidemic can brought under control by 2030, according to a report by the United Nations Aids agency.

It said the number of new HIV infections and deaths from Aids were both falling.

However, it called for far more international effort as the ‘current pace cannot end the epidemic’, reports the BBC.

And charity Medecins Sans Frontieres warned most of those in need of HIV drugs still had no access to them.

The report showed that 35 million people around the world were living with HIV.

There were 2.1 million new cases in 2013 - 38% less than the 3.4 million figure in 2001.

Aids-related deaths have fallen by a fifth in the past three years, standing at 1.5 million a year. South Africa and Ethiopia have particularly improved.

Many factors contribute to the improving picture, including increased access to drugs.

There has even been a doubling in the number of men opting for circumcision to reduce the risk of spreading or contracting HIV.

BDST: 1943 HRS, JUL 16, 2014