Domestic HIV funding outpaces international investments

A new report by the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) shows that domestic funding for HIV has exceeded international investments. The report, titled Together we will end AIDS, states that low- and middle- income countries invested $8.6 billion for the response in 2011, an increase of 11% over 2010. International funding, however, remained flat at 2008 levels of $8.2 billion.

According to the report, 81 countries increased their domestic investments for AIDS by more than 50% between 2006 and 2011. As economies in low- and middle-income countries grow, domestic public investments for AIDS have also grown. Domestic public spending in sub-Saharan Africa for example, (not including South Africa) increased by 97% over the last five years. South Africa already spends more than 80% from domestic sources and has quadrupled its domestic investments between 2006 and 2011.

“This is an era of global solidarity and mutual accountability,” said Michel Sidibe, executive director of UNAIDS, adding: “Countries most affected by the epidemic are taking ownership and demonstrating leadership in responding to HIV. However, it is not enough for international assistance to remain stable - it has to increase if we are to meet the 2015 goals.”