The 20th International AIDS Conference in Melbourne, Australia offers an opportunity for humanity to look at past achievements in the global response to AIDS and face the challenges ahead in reaching the ultimate goal of an AIDS-free generation, where new infections are prevented and effective health systems provide long-term support to those living positively on treatment.
However, the theme of the conference, “Stepping up the Pace,” poses tough questions: How do we sustain the response to HIV in the current global economic environment in which donor funding is declining?
“Stepping up the pace” will require increased funding directed toward the global response to HIV and leveraging the potential of public-private partnerships to maintain and increase access to quality health services.
About the author
Catherine Thompson
Catherine Thompson is principal associate and strategic lead for HIV and AIDS at Abt Associates. Before joining the organization in early 2014, Thompson served as regional director for several programs in Africa and Zambia country director for FHI 360, and also worked on HIV and AIDS for USAID in Namibia and Nepal.
