ACW Statement 4: Why now? Why 2005?

2005 is a particularly significant year and a potential ‘tipping point’ in relation to HIV/AIDS care.

First and foremost, a further 3 million people will die as a result of largely preventable and treatable AIDS-related conditions.

2005 is also the mid-point benchmark for a significant prior commitment by the international community in relation to AIDS care. Four years ago, and under the heading of ‘Global Crisis – Global Action’, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly held an unprecedented special session on HIV/AIDS – the first time the assembly had ever addressed a specific health issue. The resulting Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS, signed by all Member States of the UN, made explicit pledges to “..make significant progress in implementing comprehensive [HIV/AIDS] care strategies” by 2005.

In 2005 the WHO ‘3 by 5’ initiative also reaches its own benchmark and it will be vital to know whether it has succeeded in ensuring access to ARVs for 3 million people in the developing world.

With the Millennium Campaign gaining momentum, 2005 will likely also be an important turning point in relation to the Millennium Development Goals. During the historic gathering of Heads of State in September 2000, our leaders identified health issues as the top-most priority for the new millennium, with concrete targets to be achieved by 2015.

Each of theses declarations and commitments include explicit statements by all governments of what they can and should be held accountable for when it comes to HIV/AIDS-related care.