Launch of updated AIDS strategy: Achieving Universal Access

Douglas Alexander, Secretary of State for International Development launched the updated AIDS strategy Achieving Universal Access – the UK’s strategy for halting and reversing the spread of HIV in the developing world(4 mb) on 2 June 2008 at Lancaster House.

In his speech, the Secretary of State announced plans to spend £6 billion on strengthening health systems and services over seven years to 2015 and spoke about the need to make the most of new and existing resources to achieve Universal Access and to halt and reverse the spread of HIV.

Read Douglas Alexander's full speech

The updated strategy places people at the heart of the response – with a particular focus on women, children and vulnerable groups. The Secretary of State said

“we will continue to support services that reach those most at risk, are tailored to the realities of people’s lives, and address the discrimination that makes them more vulnerable”.

The updated AIDS strategy sets out the UK’s response to tackle HIV and AIDS in developing countries to 2015. The strategy:

• makes clear the UK’s commitment to continue to play a leadership role, assisting developing countries to reach the goals of Universal Access and halting and reversing the spread of HIV
• makes comprehensive HIV prevention a priority
• shows how the UK will continue to promote the needs and rights of women, young people, children, and vulnerable groups and support countries in providing stronger health, education and other basic services
• prioritises UK support for better coordination involving strong partnerships from community to international level
• includes targets for prevention, the “sustainability of treatment”, social protection for those made vulnerable by the disease, and stronger health systems.

The strategy includes input targets on social protection (£200 million over 3 years) and on vaccines and microbicides research. It also sets a number of outcome targets, including on family planning, prevention of mother to child transmission, harm reduction, access to AIDS treatment and aid effectiveness.

The UK is committed to implementing this strategy, and will work tirelessly with our partners to see it realised.