Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases

Funding cuts threaten progress on the HIV/AIDS front

Africa appears to be starting to win the battle against HIV/AIDS. This is evidenced by a fall in the prevalence rate (particularly among women), a steep decline in the regional rate of new infections (the incidence rate), a reduction in the number of AIDS-related deaths and a drop in mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS. Behavioural change and access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) have underpinned the HIV/AIDS turnaround in Africa. Sustaining access to ART in an uncertain funding environment will, however, present a challenge to the countries most affected by the disease. Indeed, the announced cancellation of Round 11 of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (the Global Fund) could lead to reversals.

Malaria-related deaths are down, but access to effective drugs is limited

Malaria mortality rates in Africa have declined by more than a third since 2000 owing to increased prevention and control measures. But the most effective treatment regimens – artemisinin-based combination therapies – still account for only a tiny portion of total treatment.