Peter Sands' pledge for Global Fund at Dutch parliament
Peter Sands' pledge for Global Fund at Dutch parliament
Today, Peter Sands, the Global Fund’s director, spoke with Dutch Parliamentarians about Dutch commitment to ending AIDS and its recently released investment case for the period 2020-2022. In the run-up to the 6th replenishment conference, this fall, the Global Fund recently released plans which contains the worldwide investments needed to end AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria in 2030. At least USD 14 billion, an increase of 15% compared to the last three years, is asked to fulfil its role in the fight against the epidemics: 16 million lives will be saved, new HIV infections can be reduced by 61% and in 2023 27 million people will have access to HIV inhibitors.
Off Track
There is the possibility to end the epidemics. Yet the fight risks to get "off-track". During the international AIDS conference "AIDS 2018", it became clear that UN objectives are not met due to stagnating political commitment. The number of HIV infections is too high at 1.8 million per year (2020 target: 500,000), the number of deaths (1 million per year) is falling too slowly, while funding is stagnating.
Peter Sands: “Simply continuing what we are doing now, will not get us to reach our ambition of ending Aids, TB and Malaria. Reducing the number of infections is the best strategy to decrease human and economic toll. In increase in investment now, will lead to a reduction in costs later.”
It's time to step up
The investment case makes clear that the end of AIDS is feasible. Prevention of new HIV infections, especially among teenage girls and addressing stigma and gender inequality are essential. The investment case indicates that only 82% of the total funding need is covered. Worldwide, we need 18 billion USD more to end AIDS, TB and malaria by 2030. A considerable amount, but if all donor countries join forces, we can stop the epidemics together.
In the countries where the Global Fund invests, the results are significant. In these countries there have been 55% fewer new HIV infections since 2000 and 58% fewer AIDS victims. “Investing in community engagement is an example of best practices of investment of the Global Fund”, according to Peter Sands.
Aidsfonds therefore supports the call of the Global Fund for an ambitious replenishment that goes beyond the minimum 14 billion. Together with the Dutch NGO’s KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation, Cordaid and HIVOS, we are calling upon the Dutch government to increase its contribution to EUR 200 million for 2020 – 2022 (compared to EUR 165 million this cycle). The replenishment conference will take place on 10 October in Lyon, France.