Influences
Fight against HIV: ALCS calls for urgently strengthening resources
On the occasion of World AIDS Day, which takes place on December 1st, the Association for the Fight against AIDS (ALCS) recalls that, despite the major advances achieved in recent years, the response to HIV remains fragile.
“Progress related to community testing, harm reduction, community centers, free access to antiretroviral treatments, and innovative prevention tools (notably PrEP) has helped stabilize the epidemic. These gains are now threatened by the global decline in funding”, warns the Association for the Fight against AIDS (ALCS) in a statement.
A historic decline in international funding
The recent replenishment of resources for the Global Fund in Johannesburg made it possible to mobilize only 11.34 billion dollars, nearly 4 billion less than the target set and significantly down compared to 2022. The absence of announced contributions from certain historical donors is worsening a silent crisis with dramatic consequences for low- and middle-income countries.
This decrease comes at a time when vulnerabilities persist. According to international estimates, the global reduction in funding could lead to millions of preventable infections, worsen AIDS-related mortality, weaken health systems, and jeopardize nearly forty years of progress.
Morocco: A concentrated epidemic, real gains but under pressure
In Morocco, about 23,500 people live with HIV, and antiretroviral treatment coverage reaches 77%, one of the best rates in North Africa. Mother-to-child transmission is clearly decreasing thanks to the testing of pregnant women.
However, the epidemic remains concentrated in vulnerable populations, which requires targeted and continuous interventions. Any reduction in Global Fund financing would have a direct impact on prevention programs, community testing, and care.
A clear call: Strengthen resources to avoid losing gains
To maintain the trajectory toward the objective of eliminating AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, ALCS calls for securing current funding—particularly that of the Global Fund—and ensuring the continuous supply of testing kits and prevention tools made available to associations.
It also recommends strengthening the commitment of regions and municipalities in support of community actions, and mobilizing the private sector, whose role is essential in prevention and support.
A warning message
“World AIDS Day reminds us that AIDS is not over. The reduction in funding endangers decades of progress, at the very moment when evidence shows the effectiveness of community interventions”, the association stresses. It also calls on the media to relay this message, give a voice to grassroots actors, and raise public awareness of the issues of health, solidarity, and human rights.
