Fund paucity hits US Aids battle

In the 25 years since the onset of the HIV virus, America's deep South has seen an increase in the rate of infection while the rest of the country has enjoyed a decline.

In rural North Carolina and in 11 other states, waiting lists have formed for patients at free clinics.

Amid a shrinking federal budget, some Aids organisations now say President Barack Obama's funding is less than 20 per cent of what they need to prevent the spread of the virus, especially in a region of the country where Aids attracts social stigma.