UNAIDS - November 21, 2008

Total AIDS-related philanthropy in 2007 has risen to US $555 million among U.S.-based philanthropies and to EUR114 million (US $168 million) among Europe-based philanthropies, according to new reports from Funders Concerned About AIDS (FCAA) and the European HIV/AIDS Funders Group (EFG), released in New York yesterday.

The set of reports - the first of its kind - comes at a time when the global financial crisis could potentially impact the global AIDS response.

"There has been a good return on investments made on AIDS" said Dr Paul de Lay, UNAIDS Director for Evidence, Monitoring and Policy. "In the past three years, not only have we seen the number of people on treatment doubling, but also tangible results in HIV prevention efforts, with the number of new HIV infections falling in several countries".

Sunita Viswanath, FCAA's Executive Director, emphasized the essential role of the philanthropic sector as governments and global institutions face increasing financial pressures while numbers of people living with HIV - and the risk of infection - continue to rise.

Dr de Lay added, "Philanthropies can play an important role, in supporting a long term and sustainable response to AIDS and help donors and others not lose sight of their goals amidst short term crises - any cutback in investments in the AIDS response today will undoubtedly affect millions of lives".

The findings from a study in which organizations identified the top population groups that receive the greatest benefit from their domestic and international funding for 2007, identified people living with HIV most frequently as chief beneficiaries of both domestic and international philanthropy by both U.S.-and Europe-based funders.

EFG Chair, Astrid Bonfield, commented on the magnitude of the AIDS epidemic and the challenges and opportunities of funding, remarking that U.S. and European philanthropy could recognize and exercise its ability to be flexible, collaborate, and grow towards the most effective response to HIV.

Over the past three years FCAA worked with EFG and UNAIDS to harmonize their data collection in order to present the most accurate picture of global AIDS-related philanthropy. FCAA, EFG, and UNAIDS are now embarking on an effort to provide information and support to funders internationally through the creation of the Working Group on Global Philanthropic Resource Tracking.

U.S. Philanthropic Support to Address HIV/AIDS in 2007 (pdf, 1.41 Mb)

European Philanthropic Support to Address HIV/AIDS in 2007 (pdf, 1 Mb)

081121
UN081117

Copyright © 2008 - Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). All rights reserved. UNAIDS articles, which are not formal publications of UNAIDS, may be freely reviewed, quoted, reproduced or translated, in part or in full, provided the source is acknowledged. The documents may not be sold or used in conjunction with commercial purposes without prior written approval from UNAIDS (contact: UNAIDS Information Centre).

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Elton John AIDS Foundation UK, the National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2008. 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, 2008. 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. .