DFID has commissioned the UK Consortium on AIDS to conduct a consultation on updating its Taking Action strategy.

Taking Action – the UK’s strategy for tackling AIDS in the developing world - ends in March 2008, but tackling AIDS will continue to be a fundamental part of DFID's work. Significant progress has been made in the global response to AIDS since DFID launched Taking Action in July 2004, and the UK needs to update its position and approach to reflect these changes.

DFID would like to hear your views about how the UK should take action to change the course of the AIDS epidemics. They have set out a series of questions on the main issues which DFID's updated strategy could address. These can be found in their consultation document: “Updating Taking Action”.

You can participate in the AIDS Strategy Consultation in 4 different ways:

(for further information, click on the links above)

DFID on the background to the consultation and how to contribute
DFID have recently commissioned a thorough and independent interim evaluation of Taking Action, which is a useful source of information about our performance in implementing Taking Action.

Background
Taking Action was published in July 2004. It set out, for the first time, a UK strategy for tackling AIDS in the developing world – including an ambitious spending target (£1.5 billion on AIDS from 2005 to 2008, of which 10% was targeted on children affected by AIDS). In implementing Taking Action, the UK has shown leadership in championing the rights of women, young people and vulnerable groups (including males who have sex with males, injecting drug users and sex workers). During 2005 and 2006, the UK worked with the G8 and the UN to secure international commitment to the ambitious goal of achieving universal access to comprehensive HIV prevention programmes, treatment, care and support by 2010.

Progress made
The global response to AIDS has improved since Taking Action was published. In addition to the international commitment to achieve universal access, DFID have seen a marked increase in funding for AIDS ($8.297 billion in 2005), significant increases in the number of people on treatment – more than 2 million by December 2006, including more than 1.3 million in sub-Saharan Africa – and progress on national and international coordination through the implementation of the Three Ones.

The challenge we still face
And yet, much more needs to be done. AIDS continues to spread, most rapidly in Eastern Europe and parts of Asia, and it remains a major threat to development, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Millions of people vulnerable to HIV infection, in particular women, girls, males who have sex with males, injecting drug users, sex workers and prisoners do not have access to information or services to protect themselves. And only 28% of HIV-positive people in need of treatment in low and middle-income countries receive anti-retrovirals. Achieving sexual and reproductive health and rights is also vital to overcoming AIDS. Many governments continue to deny the epidemic or its true nature in their country.