GENEVA, September 15 (IPS) – Next week, taking place in conjunction with the United Nations General Assembly, President Biden hosts a financial summit in New York of such importance that it will determine whether whether or not millions are alive, will shape the world around us for years to come and will shape the future of global health. At least $18 billion is needed to fund the operation of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
The successful addition of the Global Fund will help strengthen the fight against today’s three deadliest diseases and build more resilient national health systems that are more resilient to tomorrow’s shocks.
Funding needs are especially urgent after the COVID-19 pandemic caused severe disruption to the delivery of essential health care services, including HIV treatment, prevention and care services. .
The latest data from UNAIDS has revealed a sluggish global response to HIV, combined with a continued decline in resources. About 650,000 people died from AIDS-related diseases last year, with tuberculosis remaining the main cause of death among people living with HIV.
There were also 1.5 million new HIV infections – one million more than the global target. New infections fell by just 3.6% between 2020 and 2021, the smallest annual decline since 2016. New infections increased in 38 countries.
Infections continue to occur disproportionately between young women and teenage girls aged 15-24, with one new case every two minutes. The impact of HIV by gender, particularly on African women and girls, has occurred amid severe disruptions in HIV prevention and treatment services, forcing millions of girls out of school. , teen pregnancy rates and gender-based violence are on the rise.
In sub-Saharan Africa, adolescent girls and young women are three times more likely to contract HIV than adolescent boys and young men. Vulnerable groups around the world such as gay men and other men who have sex with men have also been disproportionately affected during service disruptions.
If we do not more effectively prevent young people from getting HIV now, especially young women and adolescent girls, there will be millions more infections and deaths and much needed resources. to end AIDS will increase further.
Stigma and discrimination that cause pandemics among marginalized and criminalized groups must be addressed, including through legal reform. And stronger action is needed to ensure that children with HIV receive antiretroviral therapy – currently only half of all children with HIV are receiving life-saving treatment.
Giving young people a chance to live requires an investment. However, international solidarity in the fight against HIV and other global health threats is being fractured. At a time when global leadership and increased funding are needed most, too many high-income countries are cutting aid, and resources for global health are under serious threat. .
In 2021, international resources for HIV are 6% lower than in 2010. Overseas development assistance for HIV from bilateral non-US donors has plummeted by 57% over the past decade. The HIV response in low- and middle-income countries is $8 billion short of what is needed by 2025.
Furthermore, global trade rules are hindering low- and middle-income countries’ production of pandemic-ending drugs, including new and emerging long-acting HIV drugs. emerged, while keeping prices sky-high.
The U.S. has committed $6 billion for the 7th Global Fund Supplement but it depends on other donors working to fully meet the $18 billion goal. Since it was founded in 2001, the Global Fund has saved millions of lives by reducing the impact of HIV, tuberculosis and malaria. It must be fully funded to do its job — and its partners, too.
Recognizing the complementarity between the work of the Global Fund and UNAIDS, the United States has also increased its contribution to UNAIDS by $5 million for 2022. UNAIDS is active in countries collecting response-shaping data. response to HIV, helping to promote the elimination of laws and policies and ending HIV-related stigma and discrimination, and creating an enabling environment in which investments can be productive. best. Its work is key to maximizing the effectiveness of Global Fund-funded country programs.
The Member States of the United Nations have committed to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to bring health and happiness to all, achieve universal health coverage and build a a more prosperous, just and sustainable world.
We can end AIDS. If we succeed – and the data are clear we can – it will save millions of lives, a pivotal moment for a healthier, safer planet and the fruit of a partnership. international cooperation.
But the investment is needed today. Fight for what matters.
Winnie Byanyima is the Executive Director of UNAIDS and the Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Note: U.S. President Joe Biden will chair the Global Fund’s Seventh Complementary Conference on September 21 in New York City. Established in 2002, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria is described as a unique financing mechanism based on dynamic collaboration between governments, the private sector and civil society to against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria. in ways that contribute to strengthening the health system.
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