International HIV/AIDS charity welcomes new UK Government HIV strategy but raises concerns about delivery

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Immediate Release

The International HIV/AIDS Alliance has welcomed the British government’s long-term commitment to HIV and to strengthening health systems in developing countries but is questioning whether sufficient funding has been allocated and if the money will actually be spent on HIV services.

Alvaro Bermejo, the Alliance’s Executive Director said, “We welcome the UK government’s continuing commitment to HIV and congratulate them on delivering a comprehensive strategy which seeks to maximise progress in the fight against AIDS through closer integration of AIDS, TB, malaria and sexual and reproductive health rights.

“The British government has in the past demonstrated global leadership on HIV. We are pleased to see the adoption of an integrated rights-based strategy that focuses on those most at risk of HIV, like women and children, and vulnerable groups including injecting drug users, sex workers and men who have sex with men.”

However, the major concern is that the funding allocated is not enough to deliver on the promise of Universal Access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support, and will not reach those most vulnerable to new HIV infections.

Rather than allocating money for HIV-specific activities, the £6 billion announced today is likely to go directly to governments’ health budgets. It means there are no guarantees that the money will actually be spent on HIV services.

Traditionally, those most at risk of HIV - the marginalised and vulnerable groups - have a problem accessing HIV services through mainstream health systems because of stigma and discrimination. Governments and health services in many parts of the world routinely ignore these groups.

“We are currently not clear how the funding is going to reach civil society and the most at risk populations who are at the forefront of the fight against HIV,” commented Alvaro Bermejo.

The Alliance welcomed the Secretary of State’s comment that the UK is committed to stronger support for civil society organisations in developing countries.

“We commend the UK government’s support for civil society organisations, they need the resources to do this vital work. If the funding does not reach those living with or at risk of HIV we will find that the gains made in the last decade will be undone,” he warned.

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Notes to Editor

  • The International HIV/AIDS Alliance (the Alliance) is a global partnership of nationally-based organizations working to support communities to reduce the spread of HIV and meet the challenge of AIDS. The Alliance provide support to organizations from more than 40 developing countries for over 3,000 projects, reaching some of the poorest and most vulnerable communities with HIV prevention, care, support and improves access to treatment. www.aidsalliance.org
  • Achieving Universal Access – the UK’s strategy for halting and reversing the spread of HIV in the developing world: http://www.dfid.gov.uk/news/files/new-aids-strat-launch.asp
  • In 2007 around 2.5 million people were newly infected with HIV and over 2 million people died of HIV-related illnesses.
  • Barely 1 in 4 people are accessing HIV treatment and 1 in 5 are accessing basic prevention services. The UN and G8 agreed to a target to achieve universal access to HIV prevention, care and treatment by 2010.