The UK Consortium provided written evidence to a recent UK Parliamentary International Development Committee Inquiry into Post-2015 Development Goals, articulating the case for a continued focus on addressing HIV within an overarching post-2015 framework.
The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) have been a powerful mechanism to mobilise governments and popular support behind the scale up of development efforts since 2000. Tremendous progress has been made in the response to HIV and AIDS and related issues over this period, with more than 8 million people in low and middle-income countries now on antiretroviral treatment for HIV.
The political momentum created by MDG 6 has played a substantial role in the successes of the HIV response, which has benefited hugely from the establishment of multilateral and bilateral institutions like the Global Fund and PEPFAR.
However, there is much more to be done. The global HIV response must remain a priority for development. A post-2015 framework should therefore build on and improve the successes seen to date, as well as utilising new scientific opportunities, such as the role of treatment as prevention.
It is the Consortium’s hope that the submission to the inquiry will stimulate members’ thinking on a post-2015 framework, and the place for HIV within this. The paper has to date been positively received. LACASSO have requested for the document to be translated into Spanish. However, we are keen to evolve our thinking further through discussion with colleagues. Currently, the UK Consortium is pursuing three approaches:
- We are looking to articulate a distinctive position on HIV and AIDS
- We are participating in a network of UK-based global health networks, working together to articulate common messages on broader health-related goals in a post 2015 framework
- We are looking to partner colleagues internationally to ensure our position directly reflects the thinking in those areas of the world that are most affected.
The Consortium’s IDC submission is now available to download.
If you have any feedback on the submission or wish to engage with developing the Consortium’s position further, please email Ben Simms (ben@aidsconsortium.org.uk).
For more information on the International Development Committee visit Parliament’s website.
