The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) welcomes G8 leaders reaffirmation of their commitment to work towards the goal of universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support by 2010. UNAIDS also applauds the G8 announcement of a projected $US60 billion investment in AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria and the strengthening of health systems in Africa, as part of their work towards realizing the Millennium Development Goals. Current estimates show that for AIDS alone, around US$70 billion will be needed from 2008 – 2010 to enable universal access to be achieved globally.

In 2005, G8 leaders made unprecedented commitments on AIDS that led the international community to work towards the goal of ensuring universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support by the year 2010. Acting upon this, countries have made significant progress in setting ambitious targets to guide the acceleration of their national AIDS responses. However, as the G8 leaders meet this week in Heiligendamm, Germany for the 2007 Summit, UNAIDS remains concerned that commitments to reaching universal access will not be met at the current rate of progress.

As the world’s leaders prepare to meet this week for the annual G8 Summit, which will take place in Heiligendamm, Germany June 6–8, 2007, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the Kaiser Family Foundation are releasing a new report analyzing funding for AIDS in low- and middle- income countries provided by the G8 and other donor governments.

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) believes that the violence and abuse perpetrated against gay rights activists in the Russian capital on 27 May undermines fundamental human rights, as well as an effective response to AIDS in Russia..

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) applauds today’s announcement by United States President George Bush regarding his intention to extend and expand the U.S. government’s investment in the global AIDS response.

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) welcomes the appointment of Elizabeth Mataka as the new Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General for HIV/AIDS in Africa.

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) applauds the announcement made today by the Clinton Foundation HIV/AIDS Initiative (CHAI) which puts in place new reduced prices for antiretroviral medicines in low-and middle-income countries.

The goal of universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support is a top global priority and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) supports countries’ efforts to ensure access to high quality and affordable medicines.

It is with great sadness that UNAIDS has learned of the death of Mstislav Rostropovich who just a month ago celebrated his 80th birthday.

“Turning to the private sector and to civil society to lead its Board is a real indication of the Global Fund’s commitment to both accountability and social justice. We welcome all efforts in this direction as we all work together to make the money work for people on the ground,” said Dr Peter Piot, Executive Director of UNAIDS.