It’s human nature to compare AIDS 2000 to the convening happening in Durban, South Africa, this month. The progress we’ve made is clear. In 2000, fewer than 700,000 people received antiretroviral medicines; today, 15 million people have access to this lifesaving treatment, and HIV infections have declined 35 percent. These are no small feats.
However, that same then-and-now comparison serves to highlight persistent blind spots in the global response to HIV and AIDS. For example, inequality of access — and the human rights issues that are often at the root of it — continues to be a glaring need that prevents progress from happening as quickly as it should.
Policymakers, scientists and implementers agree that an effective HIV response must be viewed through the lens of human rights. Yet overall AIDS funding for human rights is remarkably low. Resources in some countries are woefully inadequate, and harmful legislation aims to further marginalize and oppress those at greatest risk of HIV. The most marginalized groups — women, young people, sex workers, gay men and other men who have sex with men, transgender people, people who use drugs, prisoners, and migrants — are often directly and indirectly excluded from lifesaving health services.
About the author
John Barnes
John Barnes joined FCAA as executive director in November 2009. John began his career working for the State of Delaware on child welfare issues. He went on to develop and implement a statewide HIV/AIDS case management program for the Division of Public Health. Most recently, he served as deputy executive director of Food & Friends in Washington, D.C. John served on the board of directors of FCAA from 2005-2009. John also serves on the board of trustees of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
