March 18, 2010
OF NOTE THIS WEEK
Global Fund Executive Director Michel Kazatchkine sat down with IRIN/PlusNews last week in Johannesburg to discuss the Fund's recent results report, as well as AIDS exceptionalism, the affects of the recession, and the future of funding. Kazatchkine said the idea that AIDS is "exceptional" has helped the Fund mobilize resources, which in Africa have allowed progress in infrastructure, health worker training, and drug procurement. Over a third of the overall funding extended by the Fund is going to strengthening health systems, he noted.
He also urged expansion of treatment and prevention services to combat HIV/AIDS and said that channeling money through civil society helps avoid delays in the disbursement process.
NEWS AND HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE DONORS
- The World Bank's African Development Indicators 2010 report finds that "quiet corruption" is pervasive and widespread across Africa
- UNAIDS announces that the HIV epidemic in Eastern Europe will be highlighted at the Vienna AIDS conference in July
OTHER NEWS AND HIGHLIGHTS
- U.S. HIV/AIDS Funding Flat-Lining, Groups Complain (IPS)
- Ugandan Doctor Fears Ground May Be Lost against HIV/AIDS Without Increased Funding (VOA News)
- New HIV Infections Increasing among Homosexuals (AP)
- Ugandan Pharmaceutical Wins WHO Approval for ARV Manufacturing (All Africa)
- Clinton, Gates Say U.S. Help Abroad Improves Image (AP)
- Op-Ed: In Africa, a Step Backward on Human Rights (Wash. Post)
- Analysis: District Hospital Services in Mozambique, Tanzania and Uganda (PLoS Medicine)
RECENT CGD HEALTH POLICY BLOGS
HIV/AIDS MONITOR RECOMMENDATIONS AND POLICY IMPACT
- The HIV/AIDS Monitor has been tracking the policy changes among PEPFAR, the Global Fund and the World Bank MAP related to the recommendations that have come out of our research. Explore these changes using our interactive flash tool.