Uniting the World against AIDS: 2008 UN High-Level Meeting Held in New York

July 2nd, 2008

A UN high level meeting to review global commitments on HIV/AIDS adopted in 2006 was held in New York June 10-11. At the 2006 meeting, countries had committed to targets for scaling up universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support by 2010.

The New York meeting was followed by one in Washington on 26 June hosted by UNAIDS and the World Bank to discuss the UN meeting in depth and determine implications for the global fight against HIV/AIDS.

Both meetings were covered by Oblate JPIC staff: Fr. Daniel LeBlanc, OMI at the UN and George Ngolwe at the World Bank meeting in Washington.

The two day UN review drew Head of States, Parliamentarians, Government Ministers of Health and Finance and members of Civil Society. Country reports highlighted the increase in the political commitment to fight AIDS, resource mobilization and the active participation of civil society in helping people access antiretroviral therapy. These efforts have increased the commitment to achieving universal access to HIV treatment, prevention and care by 2010. Despite this progress, the global HIV/AIDS epidemic is far from over and continues to devastate communities - especially in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.

As participants reflected on the progress that has been achieved in the fight against global HIV/AIDS, there was vigorous discussion about next steps. The meeting highlighted the need to provide strong leadership and political support in responding to the crisis. Even stronger political commitments from governments would enable a needed comprehensive approach and pull in more partners to fight the disease. A comprehensive approach against AIDS ought to prioritize young women and girls, emphasizing strategies that overcome barriers to HIV prevention and support. Lack of attention to gender equality in the AIDS response is still evident. Even in nations where men are the most affected, it is women and girls who carry the burden of care.

The active engagement of civil society groups in responding to HIV/AIDS - especially programs reaching out to the most vulnerable groups of society - was recognized. Governments were challenged to provide more political space for civil organizations to operate without interference. This 2008 AIDS meeting was a good opportunity to review the response and to share best practices on fighting HIV/AIDS. The pandemic is far from over and continued commitment and accountability from all sectors of society is needed to fight AIDS.

Upcoming:

XVII International AIDS Conference, 3-8 August, Mexico City, Mexico.

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