The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS welcomes the news that the United States House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs has approved the "Tom Lantos and Henry J. Hyde Global Leadership on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008." This action sends a strong signal that the United States is committed to maintaining its leadership role in the global response to AIDS.
UNAIDS also welcomes news that the reauthorization includes the key principles of promoting a truly global effort supported by bold new investments; moving from an "emergency" to a "sustainability" strategy; and maximizing effectiveness of investments through partnership and coordination.
Past and current investments are working. For example, more than 2.5 million people have access to HIV treatment with new encouraging data expected soon. HIV prevalence among young pregnant women (15-24) attending antenatal clinics has declined since 2000/2001 in 11 of the 15 most affected countries. New HIV infections can be prevented if the world remains committed to scaling up essential HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support efforts globally.
With more than 32 million people infected with HIV worldwide, the global commitment to AIDS has never been more important. UNAIDS is pleased with the bipartisan vote in the committee and hopes the US Congress maintains the momentum to move this legislation forward.
UNAIDS is an innovative joint venture of the United Nations, bringing together the efforts and resources of the UNAIDS Secretariat and ten UN system organizations in the AIDS response. The Secretariat headquarters is in Geneva, Switzerland-with staff on the ground in more than 80 countries. Coherent action on AIDS by the UN system is coordinated in countries through UN theme groups, and joint programmes on AIDS. UNAIDS' Cosponsors include UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank.
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