HIV/AIDS continues to be the single biggest obstacle to reducing poverty and to attaining the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Current statistics from the United Nations Joint Programme on AIDS (UNAIDS) indicate that, in 2006, almost 40 million people were living with the HIV virus. Sub-Saharan Africa continues to be the worst-affected region in the world and is now home to over 25 million adults and children living with HIV. Infection rates are increasing in other regions also, with some countries in Eastern Europe and central Asia recording the highest rates of new infections worldwide.
The HIV/AIDS pandemic is impeding development and leading to an increase in poverty. It generally affects the most productive and economically-active members of society and serves to further disadvantage those people most vulnerable to infection — such as migrant workers, women and adolescents.
Responding to the global problem of HIV/AIDS is a key priority for the Government. This commitment is very clearly outlined in the White Paper on Irish Aid, which was published last September. Following the commitment made by the Taoiseach in his speech to the United Nations in September 2005, funding for HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases has doubled to over €100 million in 2007. These funds are directed at programmes at international, regional and country level, to provide increased access to HIV prevention, treatment and care services.
Dr. Peter Piot, Executive Director of UNAIDS, earlier this year confirmed that Ireland is one of the leaders in the global response to HIV/AIDS. He commended, in particular, Ireland's leadership in tackling HIV-related stigma and discrimination through the ‘Stamp out Stigma Campaign' which was launched by the Taoiseach on World AIDS Day, December 1st 2006.
Ireland continues to promote the need for leadership and engagement at the highest political level internationally, in order to reverse the trend of this pandemic. Ireland is leading by example in strongly supporting global efforts to address HIV/AIDS and its impact. Ireland's support for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria (GFATM) is one such example, with contributions over the period 2002-2007 amounting to €80 million.
Significant achievements are being made though the programmes of the Global Fund with over 700,000 men, women and children now accessing HIV treatment and many more people having access to essential HIV prevention and care services.
Earlier this year, Ireland signed a new cooperation agreement with UNAIDS. Under the terms of this agreement, Ireland will commit €30 million over the next five years and cooperate with UNAIDS in strengthening global leadership and improving the effectiveness of comprehensive HIV programmes at country level.
In countries such as Tanzania, Ethiopia and Zambia, Ireland works with governments and non governmental organisations (NGOs) to strengthen national responses and improve access to essential HIV services. In Mozambique and Lesotho, and in partnership with the Clinton Foundation, Ireland has increased levels of assistance to improve the accessibility of HIV treatment in rural areas — in particular to benefit women and children.
Ireland will continue to work with the international community in advocating for a sustained and resourced global response to HIV/AIDS, strengthened leadership at all levels, and improved coordination of resources for effective HIV/AIDS prevention and control.