By Zayamu Hassan
The United Nation’s Agency for AIDS (UNAIDS) said that proposed funding cut by the United Kingdom will affect the provision of live-saving HIV prevention and treatment services around the world.
In a statement reacting to the proposed cut by the UK, the UNAIDS said the over 80 percent cut which is equivalent to £12.5 million will greatly affect the provision of services to deserving people around the world.
It said the proposed cut will mostly affect the most marginalized people, including lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender, queer and intersex people in low- and middle-income countries.
“The government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK) has informed UNAIDS that funding for the agency for 2021 is confirmed at £2.5 million, compared to the £15 million received by UNAIDS from the UK in 2020.
“This cut of £12.5 million, or more than 80 percent, is significant. It affects the provision of live-saving HIV prevention and treatment services around the world. It affects the empowerment of young women and adolescent girls and their access to sexual and reproductive health and rights across the world and Africa in particular.
“It impacts on support to upholding the human rights of some of the most marginalized people, including lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender, queer and intersex people in low- and middle-income countries. It reduces global health security,” UNAIDS said in the statement.
It added that the agency had recognizes the challenging situation facing many governments, “yet deeply regrets this decision of our longstanding partner and advocate.”
According to UNAIDS, it is assessing the full scope and impact of the cut and actively formulating mitigation strategies.
“The UK government has said the decision does not reflect a diminished commitment to UNAIDS or the HIV response. UNAIDS will continue working with the UK and partners to explore ways to ensure continuity and predictability of funding to sustain the hard-won gains in the fight against HIV and to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.”
The UNAIDS acknowledged that the UK has been a leader in the fight against AIDS. It has called for the G7 to be centred on beating pandemics and is rallying the world for girls’ education and empowerment.
The UNAIDS added it is determined to deliver breakthroughs on those together with the UK.
“We hope that the UK, which has rated UNAIDS ‘A’ for delivery, will decide to supplement its current allocation for 2021,” the statement.
