Aids fight faces funding crisis
2005-06-26 18:45
Geneva - The attempt to reverse the spread of Aids in the developing world faces a multibillion-dollar funding shortfall over the next three years, the UN said.
According to latest projections, only $8.9bn is estimated to be available for 2006, compared to a requirement of $14.7bn.
For 2007, $17.8bn will be needed, but only $10.0bn is currently available, UNAids said.
The agency gave no shortfall projection for 2008, but said it would release a full report on estimated funding needs at the end of the month.
"Aids poses an exceptional threat to humanity and the response needs to be equally exceptional, recognising the urgency as well as the need for long term planning and financing," said UNAids chief Peter Piot.
"We have come a long way in mobilising extra funds for Aids, moving from millions to billions, but we still fall short of the $22bn needed in 2008."
Overall more than $54bn will be needed between 2006 and 2008 for prevention, treatment and care, as well as support for vulnerable children and other staffing and construction costs, according to UNAids.
If the funding needs are met, 75% of the 6.6 million people in need of antiretrovirals with have access to the treatment by 2008, the agency said.