WASHINGTON (November 29, 2012)--The Obama administration Thursday released an ambitious road map to slash the global spread of AIDS by getting more people treated sooner and accelerating the use of other proven tools.

Thursday's report outlines how progress could continue if U.S. spending remains constant, something far from certain as Congress and President Barack Obama struggle to avert looming budget cuts at year's end.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said the plan shows her call for an AIDS-free generation is a goal within reach.

According to the report, even the hardest-hit countries could begin turning the tide of the epidemic over the next three to five years.

Some 34 million people worldwide are living with HIV, and 2.5 million were infected last year.