Select Committee on International Development Third Report


Conclusion

265. We are concerned that the current and legitimate debate over drug pricing might distract from consideration of the real crisis — the crisis of poverty. It is the denial of resources, services and rights which has done so much to exacerbate the spread of HIV/AIDS and control of the epidemic will only be secured when such poverty issues are addressed. With inroads into poverty we would expect to see progress in the reduction of infection rates and standards of care.

266. HIV/AIDS is not only a result of poverty — it also entrenches poverty still further. We have concluded that development programmes, including those of DFID, have much work to do in assessing the impact of HIV/AIDS on the whole spectrum of development activity. There is an urgent need to redesign development programmes, policies and approaches, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, to take account of the new realities caused by HIV/AIDS.

267. Are we doing enough? The answer is clearly not. More resources are in our view necessary, especially for sub-Saharan Africa. It is not, however, only a question of resources but of political determination, solidarity, and effective organisation of a response. DFID has done much good but also has the potential to do much more. We look forward to the forthcoming DFID strategy paper on HIV/AIDS refocusing the efforts of the United Kingdom Government on a successful response to the epidemic.


 
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