AIDS can be stopped
“One of the gravest injustices is that we have the tools to fight AIDS. Prevention and treatment programs work, but they’re not scaled up and implemented. This is the crisis of our generation.” Adam Taylor, US AIDS campaigner
We know how to fight AIDS. We have the information and resources to turn this crisis around. Although there is no cure or vaccine, in Western countries new types of drugs have made HIV/AIDS an illness that can be lived with, rather than a death sentence. Awareness and prevention programs have prevented a major epidemic.
Unfortunately, 90% of HIV positive people live in the developing world. Weak health infrastructure and low education levels have made prevention efforts difficult. Barely a quarter of the people in need of treatment in these countries have access to the medicines that could prolong their lives and allow them hope and a better future.
Read more about the virus and its impact
AIDS is the worst epidemic in human history.
5700 people die every day from AIDS related illnesses.
AIDS is the number one cause of death in Africa.
In 2007, 33.2 million people were living with HIV.
2.1 million people died of AIDS related illnesses.
Another 2.5 million were newly infected with the virus.
Sub-Saharan Africa is home to 68% of those living with HIV.
Sub-Saharan Africa accounted for 76% of AIDS deaths in 2006.
61% of those living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa are women.
In December 2006 just 2 million people were receiving treatment, out of a total of 7.1 million in urgent need.
The urgent need for treatment
Treatment has a dramatic impact, not only on the lives and hopes of those living with HIV and AIDS, but also upon communities and economies hit hard by so many deaths amongst the young generation.
Read more about why treatment is so important
Thanks to the determination of treatment activists, the central part which treatment plays in the response to the AIDS crisis has finally been recognised. In 2005, world leaders pledged universal access to treatment for all who need it by 2010. But much more needs to be done.
Read more about international progress towards universal access
Access to treatment is still woefully inadequate. Three quarters of those in immediate need of treatment are not receiving it. Politicians are not coming forward with the leadership and resources needed to meet their promise, and in the meantime major barriers to treatment remain, in the form of international trade rules and the practices of pharmaceutical companies.
P&P march on the Treasury, February 2005
SLW/P&P
Keeping the promise
If treatment for all is to be provided and sustained over the long-term, we must ensure affordable treatment is available. This requires action on two fronts:
Significantly more resources need to be mobilised if we are to meet global targets. New and more sustainable sources of financing must be found, so that programmes can be funded over the long-term and countries can make long term effective plans to tackle the problems they face.
Action is needed on the trade rules that keep treatment priced out of reach by blocking access to affordable medicines.
This year the UK government will publish a new strategy on tackling HIV and AIDS in the developing world. Due in Spring 2008, this document will shape their efforts over the next three crucial years. It must show a renewed commitment to keeping the promise of universal access by 2010 — providing the money, health workers, affordable medicines and political leadership that are needed to keep the promise.
Our leaders must take action now if they are to keep their promise of universal access and prevent many more unnecessary deaths.
(1) UNAIDS/WHO AIDS Epidemic Update: December 2006