Historic Commitment to End the AIDS and TB Epidemics by 2030

A UN Political Declaration, issued by heads of state and government, makes a commitment to ending AIDS and TB epidemics by 2030 as part of a number of ambitious targets.

As part of these commitments, the Stop TB Partnerships Global Plan will be funded and implemented with the aim of reaching 90% of all people who need TB treatment, including 90% of populations at high risk, and achieving 90 treatment success. Additionally, the Declaration commits to reducing the number of TB related deaths of people living with HIV by 75% by 2020.

Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Chair of the Stop TB Partnership Coordinating Board and Minister of Health of South Africa, stated, "For the first time, we are united and determined to see this fight through to the end. This UN High-Level Meeting on Ending AIDS comes at a turning point for both the HIV and the TB communities, as we set our aim on ending the scourges of these twin diseases by 2030".

The Political Declaration outlines a join effort and sets out specific targets and time frames to meet these targets. Specifically, it calls for a greater focus on vulnerable TB populations, including 100% coverage of intensified TB case finding among all persons living with TB with a particular focus on those most at risk.

Discriminatory attitudes and policies towards people living with TB and AIDS are noted as a grave concern within the declaration.

"The world has an opportunity to end an epidemic that has defined public health for a generation," said the Executive Director of UNAIDS, Michel Sidibé. "The decisions made here, including the commitment to zero new HIV infections, zero AIDS-related deaths and zero discrimination, will provide the springboard for the implementation of an innovative, evidence-informed and socially just agenda that will end the AIDS epidemic by 2030."

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