Tackling HIV and AIDS

25 Feb

Question

The session focused on assessing the UK government's efforts in tackling HIV and AIDS on a global scale. Key points include investments in international initiatives, the significance of the Global Fund and PEPFAR, and concerns over potential budget shifts affecting health aid.

Global Contributions: Anneliese Dodds highlighted the UK's role in supporting international organizations like the Global Fund and UNAIDS, which have significantly reduced HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths since the mid-1990s. Meetings with HIV-positive activists were noted alongside the simplicity of HIV testing, underscoring a path to eradication.

60% reduction in new HIV infections since 1995

Attributed to investments in key health organizations.

PEPFAR's Impact: Paul Davies illuminated PEPFAR's monumental achievements in saving lives and the dire consequences of funding freezes on HIV testing and AIDS-related mortality. He emphasized the need for the UK to advocate for HIV discussions in key international forums such as the G7.

69% reduction in AIDS-related deaths since 2004

Reflects global health efforts supported by UK contributions.

Funding Concerns: Chris Law raised valid concerns over rumors about reductions in official development assistance and its impact on health-related financing, stressing the importance of continued commitment in fighting global health challenges.

The session underscored pressing needs for sustained support and international cooperation to tackle HIV/AIDS effectively.

Potential 6.3 million AIDS-related deaths

Projected over five years if PEPFAR is underfunded.

Outcome

The discussion resulted in affirmations by Anneliese Dodds that the UK remains committed to the Global Fund replenishment and highlighted the crucial role of international collaboration in public health efforts.

Key Contributions

Paul DaviesQuestioner

Labour

Queried on global progress in tackling HIV/AIDS, stressing the importance of PEPFAR and urging inclusion of HIV discussions in international forums like the G7.

Anneliese DoddsResponder

Not specified

Outlined the UK's support of international health organizations, shared reductions in HIV infections and AIDS deaths, and detailed commitments to the Global Fund with South Africa.

Chris LawQuestioner

SNP (Scottish National Party)

Inquired about Global Fund financing and highlighted concerns over potential reductions in official development assistance influencing health spending.

Original Transcript

Paul Davies

Colne Valley

Lab

Question

UIN: 902801

2. What progress his Department has made on tackling HIV and AIDS globally.

The Minister for Development

Anneliese Dodds

Investments in the Global Fund, Unitaid, UNAIDS—the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS—the World Health Organisation and others have helped to cut new HIV infections by 60% since 1995 and AIDS-related deaths by 69% since 2004.

I was pleased to meet HIV-positive activists in Parliament recently and to be videoed while undertaking a quick and easy HIV test. Together, we can eradicate HIV/AIDS.

Paul Davies

The Minister is aware that PEPFAR—the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief—is the largest and most successful global health programme and has saved 25 million lives. It has been advised that freezing PEPFAR will result in 228,000 fewer HIV tests being carried out daily.

UNAIDS predicts that 6.3 million AIDS-related deaths will occur if PEPFAR lacks funding for the next five years. Can the Minister ensure that the Foreign Office includes HIV in all international discussions, especially at the G7 in Canada this year?

Anneliese Dodds

Tests and treatment are critical. I am pleased that the Prime Minister recently announced that, together with South Africa, the UK will co-host the eighth replenishment of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

The Global Fund is the leading financier of the global fight against HIV/AIDS, and we will work with Canada to draw attention at the G7 to the importance of the Global Fund replenishment.

Anneliese Dodds

The hon. Gentleman is right to raise the importance of funding for global health. Of course, this is not just important for those directly impacted; it is important for us here in our country, because we know that diseases do not respect borders.

I set out a few moments ago the fact that the Prime Minister is committed to that Global Fund replenishment, and rightly so.

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