The Belgian Minister of Development Cooperation, Alexander De Croo, has announced that Belgium will maintain its financial support for UNAIDS from 2016 to 2019. The pledge was made during a meeting between Mr De Croo, Belgian Minister of Social Affairs and Health Maggie De Block and UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé in Brussels on 3 June.
Separately, the Flemish Government also reconfirmed its financial support to UNAIDS until 2018.
During his visit, Mr Sidibé met with federal and regional government representatives. He stressed the key role played by the country’s civil society in keeping HIV on the agenda of the government.
Belgium is currently in the process of implementing its first ever national strategic HIV plan, which was launched together with UNAIDS at the end of 2013. The plan prioritizes efforts to reach the most affected populations, such as men who have sex with men and migrant workers. Despite relatively low numbers of people living with HIV in Belgium, the AIDS epidemic remains a concern as the yearly number of new HIV infections has not declined in recent years.
“Coordination among multilateral organizations is important to increase efficiency and results.”
Alexander De Croo, Minister of Development Cooperation
“I welcome Belgium’s leadership and its strong commitment towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030.”
Michel Sidibé, UNAIDS Executive Director
