If Canada is committed to lead in the fight against HIV and AIDS, particularly to support orphans and vulnerable children, the government must increase foreign-aid spending. It must also set a clear timetable for achieving the internationally agreed-upon aid target of 0.7 per cent of gross national income. By increasing foreign aid spending, Canada can
- provide development assistance to the national health systems of poor countries to strengthen HIV and AIDS treatment and prevention;
- direct a certain percentage of HIV and AIDS funding to support orphans and vulnerable children;
- increase contributions in support of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria;
- increase funds to organizations involved in research and development of HIV and AIDS vaccines and microbicides; and
- increase support for poverty alleviation, education and agricultural development projects.
These projects help in the fight against AIDS because this disease is closely intertwined with poverty, access to education, food insecurity and malnutrition.
Affordable and Accessible Medicine
The price of generic antiretrovirals ("ARVs" are medicines that help prolong the lives of people suffering from HIV and AIDS) dropped to about $150 US per person per year. At one time it was as high as $15,000 US for brand name medicines.
Despite this positive development, only a small percentage of people in poor countries who need ARVs have access to them. The Canadian law that was supposed to make it easier to get generic ARVs to people in need, Canada's Access to Medicines Regime, is not working.
After intense advocacy, Health Minister Tony Clement acknowledged this problem at the International AIDS Conference in Toronto last August, and promised to initiate a review of the legislation. The review is now underway. As well, World Vision is working with other civil-society organizations to propose appropriate amendments needed to jump start the legislation and make available cheaper drugs to people who need them, particularly children living with HIV and AIDS.
Take action
Click here to view and send a letter to the prime minister about access to treatment.
