At the conference the US has come under intense criticism for blocking federal scientists from attending the conference and for failing to adequately finance AIDS programs overseas. US AIDS coordinator Randall Tobias attempted to counter the criticism yesterday by saying that the Bush has increased budget for treatment and for abstinence-based prevention programs. Tobias said “Abstinence works. Being faithful works. Condoms work. Each has its place.” During his speech, about fifty protesters in the audience chanted “Bush lies, millions die.” The US Food and Drug Administration has yet to approve generic AIDS drugs for export to Africa and other areas hardest hit by the epidemic. The biennial AIDS conference opened on Sunday when about 1,000 Thai activists unfurled a banner reading “Thaksin Lies,” criticizing the Thai Prime Minister’s role in cutting the country’s AIDS prevention budget by nearly two-thirds. The program had been viewed as a model for developing countries. Two reports from UNAids at the conference revealed that Aids prevention programs had yet to have a significant impact on the spread of the virus. Only 7% of those with HIV who need drugs to stay alive over the next two years are getting them.