Join a groundswell of civil society voices from across the world during the week of 20-26 May to demand a stronger response, greater accountability and more resources in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Submitted by Alejandra Scampini
ActionAid International-Américas
alejandra.Scampini@actionaid.org

One week. One voice

Do you think the world is doing enough to stop AIDS?

WHY: Last year, activists from 30 countries took coordinated action during the first ever Global AIDS Week of Action. It was the defining mobilisation before world leaders reported back to the UN on the progress they had made to meet their 2001 commitment on HIV/AIDS. So while in New York our governments boasted of the small gains made, in cities from Abuja to Phnom Penh and Delhi to Lilongwe citizens reminded them of the big losses.

The losses are stark: AIDS kills 8000 people each day and 3 out of 4 HIV positive people still lack access to treatment. While women make up almost 50% of those living with HIV, current AIDS responses do not tackle the violation of women’s rights a key driver of the pandemic.
In 2005 the world leaders made another landmark promise to developing and implementing a package for HIV prevention, treatment and care with the aim of coming as close as possible to the goal of universal access to treatment by 2010 for all those who need.
The world needs to honour this ambitious promise to stop the needless deaths of women, men and children. Our governments have to set and meet ambitious targets for access to treatment as well as evidence-based prevention. Multinational drug companies must stop putting profits before people. Rich nations such as the G8 must back their warm words on AIDS with real funds.

WHEN: The Global AIDS Week of Action from 20-26th May 2007 is an opportunity for activists around the world to stand together, generate political pressure and demand action from our leaders. The week starts with the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Day on 20 May a Sunday when the world recognizes and remembers those who have died of AIDS. The week of action is also just days before the club of rich nations (G8) meet in Germany and discuss the universal access goal. Let them know that the world is watching to see if they put money where their mouth is.

HOW: Between now and the end of May, it’s time for action. You bring together fellow activists in your country to plan what action, how and where. And if you come up with bright ideas that work, share them with friends and colleagues in other countries. Communication of your ideas and plans is the glue that will bind our actions together.

ACT NOW: If you are ready to take the initiative in your country and plan activities for May, please send an email with your organisation’s details to globalaidsweek@actionaid.org and we will add you to the list of active countries and send you more information.

There is no global secretariat or chief organiser the groups listed below are joining forces to make this call, but the rest is up to you. The success of the Global AIDS Week of Action depends entirely on committed people and networks working together in a coalition. During this one week we must show solidarity internationally while advocating nationally.

Click on this link to see what countries did last year


JOINT CALL TO ACTION by:
ActionAid International
African Civil Society Coalition on AIDS
AIDS and Rights Alliance for Southern Africa (ARASA)
Asia Pacific Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS (APN+)
Global Network of People living with HIV/AIDS (GNP+)
International Treatment Preparedness Coalition (ITPC)
MWENGO (Mwelekeo Wa Ngo)
Pan-African Treatment Access Movement (PATAM)
Treatment Action Campaign (TAC)

ACCESS TO TREATMENT
END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN
EVIDENCE-BASED PREVENTION
END HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS
FUNDING FOR AIDS
END DONOR CONDITIONALITY
HEALTH FOR ALL
One week to make leaders keep their promises. Let’s make a big noise.

Additional resources:
Leadership: the world AIDS day theme 2007 and 2008