Australia has played a key role in reinvigorating the global AIDS response, helping achieve a new global commitment on the way forward.
Australia and Namibia co-facilitated the Political Declaration adopted at the United Nations General Assembly High-level Meeting (HLM) on HIV/AIDS, which sets ambitious targets to guide the global AIDS response for the next five years.
The Political Declaration commits member states to addressing the inequalities driving the AIDS epidemic and the stigma and discrimination faced by people at risk of, living with or affected by HIV.
Australia is also investing AUD11.65 million to increase the availability and uptake of HIV testing and prevention services amongst key populations in the Indo-Pacific.
This investment with the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS will support community-led organisations in prevention and testing services and address inequality, stigma and discrimination, which remain a barrier for key populations.
I am proud of Australia's long history of support and action on HIV in our region. Australia is committed to working with global partners to eliminate AIDS, as well as fighting the inequality faced by those living with HIV. Australia deeply appreciates the efforts of those countries that have supported this declaration and looks forward to working together as a global community to implement these commitments.
I also thank civil society for their collaboration and engagement to deliver such a strong outcome. Their continued leadership and advocacy remain essential to eliminating the AIDS epidemic.
As we continue to fight a global pandemic, we are reminded that supporting essential health services, such as HIV prevention, is crucial to protecting the health of the Indo-Pacific region and addressing the long-term impacts of COVID-19.
