AIDS 2012: Key message 01

Develop a renewed vision of political commitment to HIV 

Over the past twenty years political commitment to HIV has been a necessary ingredient of ensuring that the AIDS rhetoric is met with concrete and tangible action. The importance of wide ranging political commitment cannot be under estimated, and the indicators of this commitment have over time spurned much needed AIDS action. New and innovative ways of demonstrating, measuring and showcasing political commitment need to be developed in order to ensure that the hard won HIV gains made over the years do not evaporate. It is critical that a new cadre of political and institutional leadership on HIV is nurtured. A unique combination of bold action to address the structural drivers of the epidemic; sustained and predictable investment and the re-engagement of essential sectors that have as yet – despite well versed words – not addressed HIV are some of the parameters that need to be galvanized.

1. Guarantee predictable and defined financing

Recognizing the long-term benefits accrued from investing in HIV programmes, governments, international donors and the private sector need to re-commit to international funding targets and goals. Financing for HIV should be predictable, defined and ensure the long-term sustainability of the response, including through innovative financing mechanisms. It is essential that funding for HIV is an increasingly balanced mixture of national and other resources, while successful results-driven mechanisms should continue to be a feature of the AIDS landscape. International donors should ensure full funding, for example of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM).

IPPF supports the work of the GFATM by ensuring that eligible Member Associations are actively engaged in national GFATM processes for stronger linkages between HIV and sexual and reproductive health. 

2. Access = Life 

Access to life-saving medicines is a human right. Global trade and drug licensing processes must enable access to medicines for all. An estimated 10 million people who need treatment do not have access to antiretroviral treatment (ART). In 20 African countries, more than 80 per cent of treatment depends on donor funding. Eight countries already face treatment shortages; while a further 22 countries expect problems in the future. This accounts for more than 60 per cent of people on treatment worldwide.

67% of IPPF Member Associations provide a comprehensive range of HIV services integrated into SRH services, including provision of or referrals to ART. IPPF MAs also promote access to stigma-free health care services for people living with HIV, hard to reach communities, and key populations. 

3. Re-engagement of all key sectors on HIV 

Increasing a global, regional and national response to HIV requires a multi-sectoral strategy with a number of vital sectors (beyond health) providing sustainability and longevity to the demands of the epidemic. For a number of reasons, interest has begun to wane and the HIV response from a number of these sectors is being called into question.

IPPF continues to pioneer, strengthen and expand our response to HIV through an integrated model of service delivery and advocacy on HIV and SRH issues.

Download the AIDS 2012 issue of the IPPF HIV Update newsletter: http://www.ippf.org/resources/publications/HIV-Update-newsletter