September 2010

September 30, 2010

OF NOTE THIS WEEK

This week, the World Health Organization, UNAIDS and UNICEF released the fourth annual joint report on HIV/AIDS interventions in the health sector, more specifically tracking progress made towards the 2010 target of providing universal access to prevention, treatment and care. In a joint press release, the three agencies stated that significant progress has been made in low- and middle- income countries in increasing access to HIV/AIDS services. The report, which assessed progress in 144 countries, found that 8 countries, including Cambodia, Cuba and Rwanda, have achieved universal access to antiretroviral treatment for adults. However, while a record 1.2 million people initiated treatment in 2009 leading to a total of 5.25 million people receiving treatment, HIV prevention, care and treatment targets for 2010 are unlikely to be met, Reuters reports. Only a third of people who need antiretroviral therapy receive it and less than 40% of people living with HIV know their status. Stigma and discrimination, as well as the global economic crisis which stagnated funding, have caused some countries to reassess their commitments to HIV programs, the AFP reports.

“We’re on the right track, we’ve shown what works and now we need to do more of it”, Dr. Paul DeLay, Deputy Executive Director for UNAIDS, said. He warned, however, that “we’re $10 billion short. At the Global Fund replenishment conference in New York next week”, he continued, “countries have a chance to put this right—to make a smart investment and secure the future of the AIDS response”.

NEWS AND HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE DONORS

  • Ambassador Goosby testifies before the House Foreign Affairs committee on the progress of PEPFAR
  • Norway increases pledge to the Global Fund by one-fifth
  • Moldova signs agreement to grant privileges and immunities to the Global Fund, to enable the Fund to work more effectively in country
  • The WHO, UNAIDS and UNICEF release a joint report on progress towards achieving universal access to HIV care and treatment

OTHER NEWS AND HIGHLIGHTS

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.