Towards zero HIV infections  
 

The UK has announced it will help to prevent at least half a million new HIV infections among women in Africa over the next four years. Speaking at the High Level Meeting on AIDS in New York, Development Minister Stephen O’Brien outlined plans to tackle HIV and launched the UK’s new position paper Towards Zero Infections.

Stephen O'Brien, said:

“The UK Government is at the forefront of the global battle against HIV and AIDS. While we have made huge progress against the HIV epidemic there are still over 33 million people living with HIV.

“We will concentrate our efforts where they are needed most – particularly in Africa where HIV remains a public health emergency worsened by the TB epidemic – and will help prevent at least half a million HIV infections among women.

“Our plans will be underpinned by our drive to empower women and girls, our focus on evidence, and ensuring value for money by reducing the costs of treatment.”

The historic declaration to come out of the meeting included a recommitment to universal access - with a goal of 15 million people on treatment by 2015 and a recognition that prevention must be at the heart of the response. Britain will focus on reducing new HIV infections among girls and women, ending paediatric AIDS and addressing the TB epidemic - the leading cause of death among people living with HIV.

The meeting marked 30 years since the start of the AIDS epidemic.

>> Read the news story | Read O’Brien’s speech on HIV |
>> Download our new position paper – Towards zero infections
>> Video: the UK perspective from Stephen O'Brien
>> View photos on flickr

Stephen O'Brien and Bill Clinton at the High Level Meeting.

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