People's Charter on HIV and AIDS
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Background to the People's Charter on HIV and AIDS
The HIV/AIDS pandemic is one of the greatest humanitarian
crises of all times. It has caused death and misery, destroyed families
and communities and ravaged entire populations. Africa's experience shows
that HIV/AIDS, in a single stroke, can destroy development gains of
several decades as well as the social fabric of the community A similar tragedy
is unfolding in other parts of the world. Spreading along migration routes
related to globalization, poverty, war and conflict, HIV/AIDS is now
associated with the resurgence of other communicable diseases of poverty
such as tuberculosis.
The Alma Ata Declaration of 1978 promised Health for
All by 2000. HIV/AIDS was not a key issue in 1978. While the emergence of
HIV/AIDS subsequently negatively affected the Health for All goal this
goal, the total breakdown of the public health system and primary health
care during the 1980s and 1990s has amplified the spread and impact.
The People's Health Movement (PHM) considers HIV/AIDS
as a major public health issue. However PHM believes that the way to
combat HIV/AIDS is not through a exclusively medical approach but through better
politics, care, research, pro-people policies, rights and governance and
effective communication.
Access to ARV treatment has increased the life
expectancy and quality of life of those who can afford it. The majority of
AIDS patients are poor and are being denied access to treatment in
violation of their basic human rights. Children orphaned by HIV/AIDS and
women are the most vunerable.
The People's Charter on HIV and AIDS is a consensus
document that amplifies the voices of the
people affected, infected, living with and suffering from HIV/AIDS. It aims
at providing a people's perspective on HIV/ AIDS and related issues
like access, rights and trade issues.
The People's Charter on HIV and AIDS was officially
released by the People's Health Movement during the International AIDS
conference at Bangkok in July 2004.
For more information regarding the
charter and the issue of HIV/AIDS please contact: hiv@phmovement.org
