In a recent interview in Juba Lole Laila said that according to the network�s research, "about 7000 people are living with HIV-AIDS", and more are infected as time goes on.

"We obtained the figures through the network�s offices in the different states in the region," he said.

Despite the support given by other partner Non Governmental Organisations, lack of funds remain to be a persistent challenge that hinders the organization�s activities.

This has hampered some infected people from getting access to essential drugs. "Unfortunately some of those living with HIV-AIDs have no access to drugs," Lole Laila revealed.

Mr. Lole Laila made the statement after a three day workshop that was organized by the Southern Sudan Network of People Living with HIV in Juba.

The function discussed on means to decentralize the network�s activities to improve work efficiency and support services for people living with HIV/AIDS in the southern Sudan states.

Ketty Akena, a woman identified as one of the people living with HIV-AIDs in Southern Sudan said, "I have lived with HIV-AIDs for the last 4 years. I was helped by an NGO to get ARV�s two years ago after the death of my husband."

She appealed to government to invest more in ARV�s as one of the ways of reducing the number of people who die from HIV-AIDS.