Andy joins UK activists calling for the UK to increase investment in HIV and support HIV testing and treatment for the most marginalised.

Hammersmith MP Andy Slaughter joined UK, international and youth activists at a STOPAIDS parliamentary event to mark World AIDS Day on 1st December.

Andy spoke with activists about the incredible progress made so far in the AIDS response and the financial and political commitment needed to make ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 a reality. UNAIDS estimates that in order to end AIDS by 2030, global funding must increase from $19bn to $32bn annually- but funds must increase over the next five years or we will lose this unique window of opportunity to end AIDS.

The UK government welcomed the new Sustainable Development Goals in September 2015 during the UN General Assembly in New York. SDG 3 pledged to ensure healthy lives for all, and end the AIDS epidemic by 2030.

Mike Podmore of STOPAIDS said, ‘It is inspiring to see parliamentarians like, Hammersmith’s Andy Slaughter showing his support for continued UK leadership in the global HIV response. We call on the UK government to increase investment in HIV now in order to avoid paying a higher price later when HIV infections will have increased. Key affected populations including sex workers, injecting drug users and LGBTI must be at the heart of the response.”

Monday 1st December marks the 27th anniversary of World AIDS Day, a day when activists and people living with HIV from around the world come together in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died.

STOPAIDS is the network of 80 UK agencies working since 1986 to secure an effective global response to HIV and AIDS. www.stopaids.org.uk