The G8’s “aim of providing near-universal access to AIDS treatment for all people living with HIV/AIDS by 2010, combined with prevention and care, has the potential to turn the tide on this epidemic,” said Lee Jong-wook, director general of the World Health Organization. “The G8 has made an unprecedented commitment to health which has the potential to forever change the lives of millions of people in Africa,” he added.
But the UK Stop AIDS Campaign, a coalition of 70 non-governmental organisations, warned that “the potential” of the G8’s decision would only be fulfilled if the world’s eight wealthiest countries that make up the G8, provided adequate funding,
“The first test of the G8’s commitment will be the Global Fund replenishment conference in London at the beginning of September,” said Kirsty McNeill, the campaign’s manager. “Few of the G8 countries have paid their fair share to the Global Fund so far. The G8’s plan for universal treatment will bring hope to millions. What remains to be seen is whether those hopes will be dashed by insufficient funding.”
The Stop AIDS Campaign spokesperson at the G8 in Gleneagles, Simon Wright, expressed stronger doubts and criticism, saying “the G8 are to be congratulated for responding to the global movement for AIDS treatment, but the additional aid they have announced is not sufficient or fast enough. Trade rules must allow easy import of generic medicines, healthcare systems must be allowed to grow and retain staff, and special action for orphans and vulnerable children is necessary.”
In its communiqué on AIDS, the G8 said they would “work to ensure that all children left orphaned or vulnerable by AIDS or by other pandemics are given proper support. We will also work to meet the financing needs for HIV/AIDS, including through the replenishment this year of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.”
Optimistic about the G8 commitment, Dr Lee nevertheless had a somber view of Africa’s health situation. “HIV/AIDS affects more than 25 million Africans. Disease kills 3.5 million African children under five every year. Tuberculosis kills 1,500 each day. I welcome the G8’s pledge to turn these trends around,” he said.