September 23, 2010

September 23, 2010

OF NOTE THIS WEEK

The UN Summit on the Millennium Development Goals came to a close yesterday, and with only five years left until the 2015 deadline, several world leaders continued their calls to step-up action on reaching the eight global development targets. In advance of the summit, UNAIDS released new data on progress towards MDG 6: to halt and begin to reverse the spread of HIV. According to the press release, the data shows that 22 of the most affected countries in sub-Saharan Africa have reduced new HIV infections by more than 25%. "We are seeing real progress towards MDG 6", UNAIDS Executive Director, Michel Sidibé stated. "For the first time change is happening at the heart of the epidemic. In places where HIV was stealing away dreams, we now have hope." However, the press release also mentioned remaining challenges, including a $10 billion shortfall in global AIDS funding. "At this turning point flat-lining or reductions in investments will set-back the AIDS response and threaten the world's ability to reach MDG 6", Sidibé warned. "Investing for AIDS is a shared responsibility--between development partners and national governments."

In a separate event during the summit, UN Secretary-General Bank Ki-moon addressed this funding concern when speaking in support of the Global Fund. "The Fund is successful", Ki-moon stated. "World leaders at the summit are striving to fulfill their commitments to the Millennium Development Goals", he continued. "Let us make sure that investments in global health are sustained, despite economic constraints. Supporting the Global Fund is one of the best ways that this investment can be made". While at the summit, President Nicolas Sarkozy of France announced France's commitment of $1.4 billion to the Global Fund.

The annual meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative, which brings together leaders across sectors to analyze pressing global challenges and form partnerships for effective solutions to enable positive social change, is also underway this week in New York.

NEWS AND HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE DONORS

  • PEPFAR will join the Office of Global Women's Issues in a global partnership to end gender-based violence
  • USAID releases a report outlining the United States' strategy for meeting the Millennium Development Goals
  • France commits US$1.4 billion to the Global Fund

OTHER NEWS AND HIGHLIGHTS

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.