Donor confidence is vital in fight against AIDS

Financing the fight against AIDS is proving one of the biggest issues at the international conference in Vienna.

Activists had their own solution to raise funds. They urged the Mircrosoft millionaire and philanthropist Bill Gates to back a tax on banking transactions which could pay for global health initiatives.

One demonstrator took to the stage to address Bill Gates.
“Mr Gates, who has been a champion of those living with HIV, has an opportunity here today to raise his support for the Robin Hood tax.”

But Gates told the 20,000 delegates to focus on efficiency in treatment and prevention to encourage donor confidence in these cash strapped times.

He was joined by the former US president Bill Clinton whose foundation is at the forefront in the struggle against AIDS and wants more preventive programmes.

Reflecting that need – a scientific break through – a gel has been developed in South Africa which in tests has reduced HIV infections in women by 39 per cent.

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