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US pledges extra $48bn to fight HIV

31/07/2008

US president George Bush has signed a bill granting $48 billion (£24 billion) to help fight HIV/Aids, tuberculosis and malaria.

The money will be distributed under a five-year extension to the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (Pepfar), which was launched in 2003.

Under the bill the scheme will provide treatment for at least three million people; prevent 12 million new infections; and provide care for 12 million people, including five million orphans and vulnerable children.

Healthcare systems supported by Pepfar will be expanded, with a commitment to train at least 140,000 new health-care workers to provide HIV prevention, treatment, and care.

It is also hoped that the scheme will help to reduce the stigma of HIV and $4 billion (£2 billion) has been set aside to target TB while $5 billion (£2.5 billion) will tackle malaria.

Signing the bill on Wednesday, President Bush said it demonstrates "the extraordinary compassion of the American people".

"Just a few years ago, HIV/Aids raged out of control… today the outlook is quite different," he said.

"HIV/Aids is still one of the world's greatest humanitarian challenges, no question about it, but it is a challenge we're meeting."

Mr Bush added: "With this legislation, America is showing its tremendous regard for the dignity and worth of every human being.

"I want to speak directly to those around the world who have, or think they may have, HIV: a positive diagnosis does not have to be a reason for shame. So don't let shame keep you from getting tested or treated."