G8 commitment to universal HIV treatment access is a landmark moment in the AIDS response

News from the International HIV/AIDS Alliance

8 July 2005: for immediate release

The International HIV/AIDS Alliance today warmly welcomed the commitment given by the G8 leaders to universal access to HIV/AIDS treatment. This landmark commitment will help reduce both poverty and unnecessary suffering and death. However, adequate funding will be crucial to delivery of the target.

Executive director Alvaro Bermejo said: “Providing universal access to HIV/AIDS treatment is a crucial part of a comprehensive response to the HIV pandemic. The commitment from the G8 leaders for universal access by 2010 is an important landmark but needs to be backed up by firm and realistic funding commitments and a concrete action plan.”

“Four years ago the leaders of the G8 set up the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria as a new way to direct funds to the AIDS response. Four years later the Fund is now facing a multi-billion dollar funding gap. We need to make sure that the good words from today’s G8 meeting translate into money and action.”

“We also need to be clear what universal access to treatment means. It must mean access to quality treatment and care, together with a comprehensive range of HIV prevention services – treatment alone will fail.”

“We know that the dynamics of the HIV epidemic are different in every country, and our responses must be equally diverse. We must make sure there is access for the most vulnerable groups who are often the hardest to reach. This means reaching out to people who are furthest from health services - the poorest people, children, older people, people in remote locations, and people who are often socially excluded, such as injecting drug users and sex workers.”

“People living with HIV in Africa, and throughout the rest of the world, are at the front line of successful HIV programmes. Communities heavily affected by HIV and AIDS are experts in developing relevant and effective HIV prevention programmes. Communities are also key to successful HIV treatment. Community organisations are providing treatment, educating people about treatment and supporting people taking treatment. This is the work that needs the support of the G8.”

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Editor’s notes

  • For more information about the work of the International HIV/AIDS Alliance and to arrange interviews, please contact Simon Moore. T: 01273 718744. E: :smoore@aidsalliance.orgor Rhian Evans. T: 01273 718961. E: revans@aidsalliance.org
  • The International HIV/AIDS Alliance has been supporting community action on AIDS in developing countries since 1993. It has worked with community organisations from over 40 developing countries, provided financial support to over 3,000 projects (implemented by over 2,000 community and faith-based groups), and channelled over USD 100 million to organisations across the world. Expenditure in 2004 alone was approximately USD 37 million.