In response to recent calls from African leaders for action against the HIV and AIDS epidemic, the "Consensus Statement on Antiretroviral Treatment for AIDS in Poor Countries" was developed by a representative group of faculty from Harvard University, Harvard Medical School, the Harvard School of Public Health, and the Kennedy School of Government and was signed in March, 2001. It addresses the growing global disparities in HIV care and the need to move forward with treatment in those areas most devastated by the AIDS epidemic. The Consensus Statement calls for the immediate provision of antiretroviral therapy to individuals in resource-scarce nations and for the establishment of carefully controlled clinical trials that will help determine the best practices for HIV care in these nations. The document also provides a cost estimate for the delivery of this therapy, as well as proposes for how this activity could be readily financed by resource-rich nations.