“Of the 40 million people living with HIV and AIDS worldwide, 25 million are from Commonwealth countries.” UNAIDS 2006 Report on the Global AIDS
Twenty-five million people in the Commonwealth are living with HIV/AIDS. Yet just one in ten of those who need vital anti-retroviral treatment have access to it. Across the 54 member association, under-resourced or inadequate public health systems are unable to address critical health emergencies like this.
We provide grants so that civil society groups can participate in national and international discussions to improve the targeting of vital interventions and scarce resources. Recognising that the factors which contribute to illness and disease require a collective response, we offer them access and influence at high-level Commonwealth Health Ministers Meetings.
In bringing civil society expertise to the table, we help to improve debate and find solutions on issues such as nursing shortages and health worker migration. We support law reform on equal access to treatment for those affected by HIV/AIDS and have invested in the establishment of a Pan-Commonwealth HIV/AIDS Network.
Whether funding reproductive health education for young people or briefing senior diplomats and government officials on the health effects of climate change, we are shedding much needed light and in turn stimulating action on the health risks facing Commonwealth people.