Globe and Mail: Is Justin Trudeau serious about ending the AIDS crisis?
Loyce Maturu, advocacy officer at Africaid Zvandiri and Global Fund Advocacy Network speaker

“…Over the years [Canadian Prime Minister Justin] Trudeau has shown true leadership in the response to HIV, TB, and malaria and has kept his promise of saving lives. However, he is about to break that promise. I am afraid he will stop the acceleration and stall Canada’s efforts in the fight against AIDS, TB and malaria. The Global Fund asked Canada to commit $925 million to help support the fight against these diseases for the next three years. If Canada meets that request, they will be able to help save 16 million lives. But now, we hear that Mr. Trudeau and Maryam Monsef, [Canada’s] minister for women and gender equality and minister of international development, are considering giving $804 million, a so-called ‘flat pledge.’ The same investment as in 2016 is not enough. Canada should not let its efforts stall now. … Stepping up the fight against AIDS, TB, and malaria should not be seen as a choice, but as the fulfillment of a promise. … We are at a critical moment when the minimum will not be enough to prevent us from sliding back deeper into crisis. We need Canada to increase its investment, like other countries have already done…” (8/1).