World AIDS Day -- December 1st, 2009

Today, December 1st, 2009, is World AIDS Day. A day to take stock of the progress made worldwide to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

World AIDS Day is held on December 1st each year to create awareness of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and to reduce the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS.

Various countries in collaboration with the WHO, Global Fund, UNICEF, USAID and other international funding agencies have made progress towards reducing the rate of the spread of HIV/AID infection and improved the quality of life of those affected.

On November 30th, 2009, The Global Fund -- a nonprofit organization that was established to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria announced its end-of-year results, which showed unprecedented progress in the fight against the three diseases. 

Through its investments in health programs in 140 countries, the Global Fund supports lifesaving antiretroviral treatment for 2.5 million people living with HIV, and has supported effective tuberculosis drugs treatment for 6 million people, and the distribution of 104 million bed nets to prevent malaria. 

As a result, more than 4.9 million lives have been saved. These are people who would have been dead, had it not been for interventions supported by the Global Fund. Every day, 3,600 deaths are averted. With US$ 9.3 billion disbursed to more than 500 grants so far, the Global Fund currently provides nearly a quarter of all international financing for AIDS globally, as well as three-fifths for TB and malaria.*

Yet much more remains to be done. You can learn more by visiting the following websites to find out how you can help:

• Official World AIDS Day website

• Global Fund website

• (RED) website

*Source: http://www.theglobalfund.org/en/pressreleases/?pr=pr_091130

PEPFAR & The Global Fund Collaborate To Treat 3.7 Million Living With HIV/AIDS

Programs Jointly Support Majority of 4 Million on Treatment in Low and Middle-Income Countries

Washington - The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria announced today that the two programs are jointly supporting antiretroviral treatment for nearly 3.7 million of the estimated 4 million individuals in low and middle-income countries who currently receive treatment globally.

Through its partnerships with more than 30 countries through September 2009, PEPFAR has provided direct support for life-saving antiretroviral treatment for over 2.4 million men, women and children.  The Global Fund has supported treatment for 2.5 million people worldwide. Approximately 1.3 million people receive treatment supported by both PEPFAR bilateral programs and the Global Fund, and thus are counted in the totals for each organization. These numbers reflect the strong country-level partnership between PEPFAR and the Global Fund. For example, in India, U.S. Government programs provide technical assistance to treatment services and the antiretroviral drugs are provided by the Global Fund.  

PEPFAR and the Global Fund enjoy a complementary and supportive relationship in the fight against HIV and AIDS worldwide. In order to exploit synergies, PEPFAR and Global Fund-financed programs coordinate at the country level to ensure that resources are used efficiently and effectively. Collaboration and coordination are crucial to the efficient use of money and for making further progress in providing AIDS treatment and care to the millions still in need.

PEPFAR is the largest commitment by any nation to combat a single disease in history. Through PEPFAR, U.S. Government is the first and largest donor to the Global Fund, contributing $3.5 billion to date, with additional pledges that will bring the total U.S. Government contribution to $4.5 billion. 

Read more:  http://www.theglobalfund.org/en/pressreleases/?pr=pr_091201a