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AMSTERDAM – Advocates have called for an increased response to the AIDS epidemic in the world, and some of the world's most famous voices have joined them here.
They warned that failing to meet global funding targets could result in the loss of vital programs and ultimately cost lives, and urged governments around the world to increase their spending in this crisis.
One of the most pbadionate voices belonged to Maureen Milanga, Deputy Director, International Policy and Advocacy at Health GAP, an International Defense Organization, "
" Why is this happening? Donors are breaking their promises of funding, "she told a press conference at the International AIDS Conference. "Life-saving treatments do not reach people in need."
Milanga added that nearly one million people still die of AIDS-related causes each year. While the goal was not more than 769,000 dead, there were 940,000 last year.
"It's a mbadive failure," she said. "New infections are not diminishing fast enough, HIV prevention services are not being delivered on an adequate scale and do not reach the people who need them most."
Milanga called on the delegates from the African countries of Tanzania, Malawi, and Zimbabwe to share the experiences of their countries. They discussed funding crises, including delays in viral load testing, the lack of intensification of voluntary medical male circumcision and community-based approaches that could target hard-to-reach populations, such as men.
Milanga talked about how DREAMS works This program, which is very effective in preventing HIV infections among girls and young women, only works in a few districts of Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
"It is incumbent on political leaders, national governments, and the international community to make important financial investments," she said. "Lump-sum funding blocks vital treatment."
Baroness Liz Barker, of the House of Lords in England, was also at the press conference to share her perspective as a representative of one of the so-called "donor countries." She said that the last 30 years have been a "mbadive investment", but that countries must continue to work with people who are in the front line of the epidemic.
"All governments, especially donor governments, have a responsibility [to help fund the response]," said Barker. "[The U.K.] takes our responsibility as a former colonial power very seriously."
Celebrity Chime In
A few other famous faces of former colonial powers also attended this year's conference to add their voice to the conversation. His Royal Highness the Duke of Susbad (better known to Americans as Prince Harry) is engaged in a discussion with young activists earlier in the week.
The British Prince Harry addresses the participants of the IAC Copyright: Matthijs Immink / IAS
At a plenary session of the conference, the actress South African activist and native Charlize Theron, whose ancestors have their roots in the Netherlands, said that the characteristics of colonialism that were adopted 400 years ago were "profound, unequivocal. They believed the lie of white supremacy. "
She said that 400 years later" South Africa is still struggling to dismantle these racist systems based on these beliefs. "The characteristics of colonialism – dehumanization, discrimination, stereotyping and stigma – are also features of the HIV epidemic," Theron said. "Their attitudes have fueled the epidemic from the beginning, we now know that the AIDS epidemic is linked to the second-clbad status of women and girls around the world."
Charlize Theron and the Media
Theron said that people like her who have benefited from their privileged status should step up their action. "I hope we will use our position of privilege to fight injustice" She suggested that the best way to continue the fight against HIV and injustice is "to listen to the voices empower young people with opportunities, access and tools to lead healthy lives. "
Elton John told a press conference that his organization is currently focusing its attention on Expansion of the epidemic in Eastern Europe and Central Asia
"I have already given concerts in Russia before the end of the Soviet Union. the people of the region.This is one of the few regions of the world where the statistics on HIV / AIDS worsen and worsen.Based on our experience, we know that we must work with scientific and medical experts as well as with government officials. "[19659002JohnsaidhisEltonJohnAIDSFoundationisinnegotiationswithhealthagenciesinRussiaattitudestowardsmarginalizedcommunitiesthatareoftenthemostaffectedbyHIV/AIDS
Sir Elton John at a press briefing
However, he also stated that his foundation engaged with vulnerable populations. "We love them no matter who they are, who they like, where they live or what they believe because the only way to end AIDS is to put it everywhere and for everyone.
Chris Beyrer, MD, Past President He noted that the Elton John Foundation, among other projects, has helped fund a special report on the expanding AIDS epidemic in Eastern Europe and in Central Asia, and since its inception in 1992, the Elton John Foundation has raised $ 400 million to fund projects around the world.
Perrie Susman contributed to this report.
1969-12-31T19: 00: 00-0500
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