2008: 27th anniversary of the AIDS virus - Global spending on HIV/AIDS to reach $36 billion

With the first reported cases in the U.S. in 1981, HIV/AIDS has become one of the most destructive global pandemics in world history. In efforts to curb the pandemic, we expect to witness record highs in global contributions to prevention and treatment in 2008. Donor entitities consist mostly of developed countries, foundations, development banks, the UN, and NGOs. According to the Resource Flows Database, in 2008 the total flows of money from donors devoted to addressing the epidemic will amount to $36 billion. The increase in donor funding is in large part attributable to the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) as well as the Global Fund.