Urgent Action: tell the government not to break its promises on AIDS
The UK looks set to abandon it commitment to AIDS treatment for all, and we have just a few days to change this. Take action now!
In the next two weeks the UK government is due to release its new three year strategy on tackling AIDS, a document that will influence the global response to the AIDS epidemic and, by extension, the lives of millions of people.
The UK’s role is vital: in 2005 it brokered an international commitment to provide HIV treatment and services for all by 2010. The government needs to set out ambitious commitments to help keep this promise, but instead it looks set to abandon it!
We’re calling for a funding commitment of at least £2.5 billion over the three years of the strategy - the UK’s fair share of independently estimated global resource needs. Providing this funding will set an example for governments worldwide. Failing to provide it will encourage others to abandon their commitments.
What are we asking for?
We’ve been calling for bold action in three main areas: to reduce the price of essential medicines; to strengthen health systems, and on funding.
Right now, funding is the most important issue. The strategy needs to include a spending target, but currently this is nowhere to be seen. The government must commit money to fund its plans, and to set an example for other countries. If the UK, as the country that led the promise of universal access, backtracks now, there’s a real danger other countries will follow suit.
Student campaigning helped secure the promise of universal access. We’ve been campaigning all year for a strong AIDS strategy that will deliver this promise. Your action now can help make sure this happens.
Read more about what the new AIDS strategy should include