New report shows slight increase in U.S., E.U. philanthropic funding for AIDS

"Private philanthropists in the European Union and the U.S. spent some $644 million on global HIV/AIDS programs in 2011, a five percent increase from 2010, largely driven by funding from a small number of large donors, a new report [.pdf] has revealed," IRIN reports. "In their annual report, two groups -- the U.S.-based Funders Concerned About AIDS (FCAA) and the European HIV/AIDS Funders Group (EFG) -- reported that U.S. funders spent $491 million in 2011 while E.U. funders spent $170 million," the news service writes (11/9). The report notes in a footnote that "$17.4 million was deducted from the combined total to avoid double-counting of grants that were given between U.S. and European-based funders and re-granted in 2011" (November 2012).

"Although the amount of money donated by private funders grew, the growth could be attributed to a few large donors; several other donors had, in fact, reduced their funding," IRIN adds (11/9). "While this overall increase was driven by increased funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (which represented half of all U.S.-based AIDS philanthropy), and by the majority of E.U.-based funders, decreases by the majority of U.S.-based funders largely neutralized overall growth in AIDS-related philanthropy in 2011," according to a UNAIDS press release, which notes, "Analysis also reveals that few new funders are entering the field of AIDS philanthropy" (11/8). "The report's authors note that 2012 funding is forecasted to remain level," IRIN writes, adding, "Experts are calling for greater funding, not only from the private funders but also from western governments and beneficiary nations" (11/9).