Global AIDS Alliance: U.S. Must Meet Its Obligations to Family Planning

Increase in Budget Not Enough for Global Need

WASHINGTON, March 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, final details of  the White House budget proposal  for family planning and reproductive health were made public.  The Obama administration is proposing $715.7 million for bilateral and multilateral international family planning and reproductive health (FP/RH) assistance -- a $67 million or a 10 percent increase above FY 2010.  

The Global AIDS Alliance is encouraged by the Obama administration's announcement of the highest funding levels ever requested for international family planning and reproductive health (FP/RH) programs. This commitment demonstrates a shift toward a women-centered approach to health, which is essential for the fight against global HIV/AIDS and a gap that must be filled if we are to improve our efficiency and efficacy in responding to global health needs.

While the funding level announced is higher than previous commitments, evidence-based needs indicate that in order to meet global need the U.S. must meet its obligations by providing at least $1 billion in FY 2011. We look forward to working with the Congress and the administration to meet this important funding benchmark.

The UN estimates that $30.7 billion in 2011 will be needed to provide comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and family planning services as agreed upon in the ICPD (International Conference on Population and Development).

For far too long, women and girls around the world have lacked access to these critical health services. The President's reinvigorated commitment shows great potential if it is funded at a level commensurate with the global need.

Founded in 2001, the Global AIDS Alliance is committed to mobilizing the political will and financial resources needed to halt global HIV/AIDS and reduce its devastating effects.  GAA believes that effective AIDS advocacy must address the epidemic's fundamental links to poverty and social injustice, including gender inequality, lack of education, and violence against women and children.

SOURCE Global AIDS Alliance

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