26 September 2007

Gordon Brown Breaks AIDS Funding Pledge

Britain currently gives £100 million each year to the Global Fund for Aids, Malaria and Tuberculosis.

Douglas Alexander (not only the international development secretary, but the coordinator of the next general election) now says the UK will give £1bn over 8 years.

So, a 25% increase over its current funding.

The problem is that the grand G8 promises from June 2007 were to triple the funding to the Global Fund by 2010.

Elton John, writing in the Guardian last Saturday:

In many regions governments are hostile or reluctant to provide services for the most marginalised groups: men who have sex with men, injecting drug users and prisoners. In responding to this need, my foundation is guided by what is effective rather than what is politically expedient. I have met brave activists who face threats and harassment as they help marginalised groups access basic services. Here again the fund is crucial. It has the flexibility to channel funds without toeing a particular political line.

Gordon Brown's leadership and vision on this issue are needed right now. Were the UK to provide £700m over three years, tripling its annual contribution by 2010, it would challenge the rest of the world to follow suit. A bold pledge would encourage countries such as Canada, France, Germany, Japan and the US to do their part.

These decisions directly affect whether people live or die, and I urge the British government to take a lead in ensuring these promises are kept. Honour the pledge.

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