U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has pledged additional U.S. funding for HIV and AIDS prevention and treatment efforts in sub-Saharan Africa, and encouraged other donor countries “to do their part” in helping achieve an AIDS-free generation.
In a speech at the U.S. National Institutes of Health, Clinton noted that it is possible for the international community to achieve an AIDS-free generation with sustained efforts and robust funding for treatment and prevention services as well as for research and innovation. The secretary described an AIDS-free generation as one where virtually no child is born with HIV and there are significantly fewer new infections.
Clinton said the United States would continue its leadership in the global campaign to prevent the loss of lives to HIV and AIDS. She committed $60 million in new funds to help rapidly scale up combination prevention in four countries in sub-Saharan Africa and to measure the impact of these efforts. She also named a new U.S. special envoy for global AIDS awareness: comedian and television personality Ellen Degeneres.
The secretary called on other donors to boost their contributions to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and other initiatives involved in the fight against HIV and AIDS.
“Some donors are, unfortunately, considering reducing their contributions. Some emerging powers and nations that are rich in natural resources can afford to give, but choose not to,” Clinton said.
In addition to robust donor efforts, developing countries must also do their share, Clinton added. She encourages aid recipients to also increase their health investments regardless of the amount of health-related aid they receive from donors.
“More countries need to follow the lead of South Africa, Nigeria, Senegal, Rwanda, Zambia, and others that are committing larger shares of their own budgets to HIV/AIDS,” she said.
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