2010 Target campaign

Remember the Make Poverty History Campaign in 2005? One of the greatest achievements was the G8 leaders’ historic promise to ensure HIV treatment for all who need it by 2010.  Campaigning by ActionAid supporters played a vital role in getting this commitment in place.

But despite the G8’s fine words, the leaders of the world’s rich countries have since failed to stump up the cash needed to make it a reality.

An extra $8-10bn per year is needed to meet the target of treatment for all by 2010. This may sound like a lot, but given the world spends around $1000bn per year on its military, it is not lack of funds that is stopping G8 leaders from keeping their promise.

We know that campaigning works. Public pressure is what forced the G8 to make this pledge in the first place, and with more of the same we can make them keep it. This pressure has already helped 100,000s more people get the treatment they need. Watch our film of Ugandan AIDS activist, Beatrice Were, telling her story of how treatment changes lives.

We also know that without addressing certain major obstacles the 2010 target cannot be reached. For example, a new study by ActionAid and VSO has shown that in many countries women – because of their lower status and lack of income - face a number of barriers when trying to access HIV related care and treatment.

For this reason, ActionAid has launched the Invisible Women Campaign. The campaign aims to bring the discrimination that women face into the spotlight and to push governments to put women’s rights at the heart of the HIV and AIDS response.

Take action today - join target poverty.

photo : ©David San Millan/ActionAid