A red ribbon made up of 5,700 carnations representing the number of lives lost to HIV every day dominated the stage at the Stop AIDS rally in London's Parliament Square today.
Christian Aid has been supporting the aims of the Stop AIDS Campaign in the UK for the past five years highlighting the need to lobby for adequate funding to address the needs of people with HIV in poor countries.
Daleep Mukarji, the director of Christian Aid, addressed the UK government on behalf of Stop AIDS.
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‘We are encouraged by the commitment made by the UK government as the world’s second biggest funder of HIV programmes and we should congratulate the lead that DFID has shown in the global HIV response.
'The UK government brokered the Universal Access promise made at the Gleneagles G8 summit and it should continue to take the lead to ensure that it is kept.’
He went on to say: ‘This is not the time for complacency. We need to continue and strengthen our response; there are 33 million people living with HIV, more than two million died last year and over 70% of people in poor countries have no access to the drugs they need to stay alive and over 80% have no access to basic prevention services.'
Mr Mukarji emphasised the importance of civil society in partnering governments’ responses to HIV. Community-based organisations often have the ability to reach the poorest and most marginalised people, and community leaders, particularly faith-based leaders, can influence attitudes and challenge stigma and discrimination.
He cited the importance of organisations like the International Network of Religious Leaders living with HIV (INERELA+) – a Christian Aid partner - which has had a huge impact.
The importance of involving civil society, and in particular women living with HIV, was also made by Siphiwe Hlophe from Swaziland. Siphiwe, together with five other HIV positive women founded Swaziland Positive Living (SWAPOL) in 2001 which currently has about 1,500 members.
Douglas Alexander, international development secretary, replied on behalf of the government, reiterating his department’s continuing support to the fight against HIV. He also announced additional funding of £19 million for civil society in southern Africa and £40 million for HIV prevention in Kenya.
Dr Rachel Baggaley, head of Christian Aid’s HIV Unit, said: ‘Christian Aid welcomes these new funds and hopes that it is a signal of a continuing commitment to bold, flexible and innovative programmes that will include civil society as key partners, as well as strengthening health systems though government support.’
* The Stop AIDS Campaign is made up of 80 NGOs and Trade Unions.