AIDSfree: A package to end the global AIDS scourge signed and sealed in London

Leaders have signed a crucial pledge to end the global AIDS epidemic in cities by 2030, in order to end the L & # 39; Independent and Standard eveningAIDS Free Campaign.

In the statement signed yesterday at a ceremony at the Global Cities Without AIDS Forum, they agreed to "work for zero HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths".

They reaffirmed their commitment to "mobilize resources", "to tackle the causes" and to "unite as leaders" to end AIDS in their cities and achieve the goals of HIV / AIDS. UN 90:90:90.

These aim to ensure that at least 90% of HIV-positive people are informed about their HIV status, 90% of them under treatment, and 90% of those on treatment with "undetectable viral load" – where the virus rate in the are so low that it can not be transmitted.

Signatories included Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, County Commissioner Robb Pitts of Atlanta, Tim Martineau of UNAIDS and Jose Zuniga, President of the International Association of AIDS Service Providers. Representatives from London also signed with Anne Aslett, executive director of the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

Mr. Sonko said, "It is our commitment, as leaders, to ensure that AIDS does not spread further. Leaders from different cities must show our commitment in the strongest way. "Mr. Pitts said," Signing the declaration is a demonstration of a re-engagement. This [appeal] has disseminated knowledge, informed the public and we interact with the people involved. You can discover what others are doing … and it is this exchange of ideas that is so important. "

Greater London Authority Health Chief Vicky Hobart said, "It's great to see so many London partners committed to what we are trying to do … London is well positioned to collaborate and learn from other cities. "

Earlier, State Secretary for Health, Matt Hanbad, had urged the government to end new HIV transmissions, not only in London but throughout England, by 2030.

Secretary of International Development Penny Mordaunt told the forum, "While the world has made great progress in the fight against HIV and AIDS, we need to step up our efforts. The magnitude of our ambition is clear, we all pbadionately believe that we can create an AIDS-free future for the world and I know we will do it. "

International experts discussed topics such as combined prevention, such as PrEP and self-screening, HIV in the transgender community and addicts, as well as the use of data and information. badyzes to help the most disadvantaged to fight the epidemic.

L & # 39; Independent and Standard eveningThe campaign without AIDS launched in December and ends Friday. He told the story of people living with HIV around the world and presented expert commentary on medical developments. All funds raised will go to programs supported by the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

The results of the event will be used to plan the first Fast-Track Cities World Conference at the Barbican in September. Supported by the Mayor of London, it will bring together 250 cities working to accelerate responses to diseases, including HIV and TB.

Zuniga, who will be hosting the conference, praised yesterday's achievements: "This forum allows us to celebrate [the cities’] success, but also to speak frankly about the challenges we face … We will take the lessons learned from this forum for dissemination in other cities. "

Paul Stoffels, vice president of Johnson & Johnson, who sponsored the forum, said: "No organization, government or NGO can win the fight against HIV … it requires collaboration, sustained effort and increased resources, truly global effort … I am optimistic that with continuous innovations and the types of collaboration we have seen here, we can achieve that goal. "

Funds raised through donations from the public as part of the AIDSfree call will be used to support the Elton John AIDS Foundation's projects in six major cities around the world (London, Nairobi, Atlanta, Kiev, Delhi and Maputo). Thanks to UK Aid Match, the UK Government will double public donations of up to £ 2 million, which will be spent on projects in Maputo and Nairobi.