G20 china_web

Global healthcare
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Q
Q Does the AIDS epidemic still
threaten the prospects for an innovative,
invigorated, interconnected and inclusive
world economy?
A The world has made tremendous
progress towards ending AIDS over the past
decade. In the last few years, the number
of people living with HIV on antiretroviral
therapy (ART) has increased by about a
third, reaching 17 million people. In the
world’s most affected region, Eastern and
Southern Africa, AIDS-related deaths have
fallen by more than a third since 2010. In
Africa, more people are now on treatment
than are becoming newly infected.
The crippling effect of AIDS is still being
felt across all regions, though, including
in many G20 members. AIDS still hampers
productivity, stifles local and national
growth and dims prospects for building
truly inclusive economies.
Q How can G20 members support efforts
to end the epidemic?
A The Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs) include the bold but achievable
target to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030.
Whether we get there hinges entirely on
what we do today. We need to fast track the
AIDS response during the next five years,
increasing and front-loading investments.
We need to start now.
I am greatly encouraged that United
Nations members recently adopted an
ambitious political declaration at the
UN High-Level Meeting on Ending AIDS.
It includes evidence-based actions and
commitments, targets to be reached by
2020 and puts us on the fast track to end
AIDS within 15 years. It calls for financial
investments of at least $26 billion annually,
peaking in 2020. If we follow the road map
set out by the declaration we will end this
epidemic. The returns on the investment
will be significant.
We need the G20’s help to sustain this
critical momentum. We must keep AIDS at
the top of the global political and economic
agenda. Every day, 6,000 people are newly
infected with HIV. AIDS remains the largest
killer of women of reproductive age and
the second-largest killer of adolescents.
We have the tools and scientific knowledge
needed to end AIDS. If we squander them,
the world will not forgive our failure. This
may be our last chance. Maintaining current
levels of service coverage will prolong the
epidemic indefinitely, and in several lowand
middle-income countries the epidemic
will rebound.
South Africa now invests $1.5 billion
each year for AIDS programmes, compared
to almost nothing a few years ago. Today,
nearly 3.4 million South Africans receive
HIV treatment – more than any other
country in the world. South Africa has
integrated its AIDS response into the
national health system. This is a shining
example of how political leadership
saves lives, and helps build sustainable,
integrated health programmes, lighting the
path to universal health coverage and the
goal of health security for all.
Q Are there other critical ingredients for
success over the next five years, beyond
money and political will?
A This is about investing wisely and
strategically in the places and people that
will generate the greatest impact. AIDS
programmes are becoming more efficient
every day. Investment returns are growing
182 G20 China: The Hangzhou Summit • September 2016 G7G20.com