Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Cresent Societies - 13 October, 2003
The world's wealthiest countries, including Japan, the U.S., U.K., and Australia, have failed to meet commitments to provide the billions needed to combat AIDS, TB and malaria, and to scale-up treatment access for the 42 million people living with HIV/AIDS worldwide, 6 million of whom face imminent death without access to affordable medicines. Of the 1 million people in clinical need of antiretroviral medicines among the developing countries population in Asia, only 4% are currently receiving therapy.
The Fund the Fund Campaign called on donor countries to give their "fair share," based on the size of their economies. Japan's GDP at 16% of the world economy warrants a contribution through 2004 of at least US $480 million. Although it pledged US $200 over 3 years for years 2002-2004, only a small portion, a little over US $80 of that amount has been paid. This is less than 14% of their fair share. Australia has not given any funding to the Global Fund since it was launched in 2002. According to Fund the Fund, the Australian government should provide US $70 million of current funding in 2004.
"It's ironic the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting is happening just after the Global Fund Board meeting," said Paisan Tan-Ud of the Thai Treatment Access Group. "We know that without real international commitment, the AIDS crisis will undermine economic development in Asia and the Pacific."
The Thai government, partially using GFATM funding, announced it would provide treatment to 60,000 Thais by the end of 2003. Financing from the Global Fund will also enable over 100,000 on HIV/AIDS treatment by the end of two five-year grant periods. "Without dramatically increased funding to the Global Fund, the initial successes of Thailand will not be seen in other heavily-impacted countries," said Professor Praphan Phanuphak, Professor of Medicine at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok and the Director of the Thai Red Cross AIDS Research Centre. "Thailand does not need to be the anomaly. If the funds are available the trend should be toward rapid treatment implementation everywhere."
For information, contact: Rosemarie North (International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societes), Mob 01 823 9218 Sharonann Lynch (Health GAP), Mob +1 646 645 5225
031013
IF031001
Copyright © 2003 - International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the IFRC Contact.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from the Elton John AIDS Foundation, National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2003. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2003. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .