Efforts towards universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support are bringing AIDS out of isolation

Geneva / Shanghai, 24 November 2009 - According to new data in the 2009 AIDS Epidemic Update, new HIV infections have been reduced by 17% over the past eight years. Since 2001, when the United Nations Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS was signed, the number of new infections in sub-Saharan Africa is approximately 15% lower, which is around 400,000 fewer infections in 2008. In East Asia, new HIV infections declined by nearly 25% and in South and South-East Asia by 10% in the same time period. In Eastern Europe, after a dramatic increase in new infections among injecting drug users, the epidemic has leveled off considerably. However, in some countries there are signs that new HIV infections are rising again.

The report, released today by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the World Health Organization (WHO), highlights that beyond the peak and natural course of the epidemic, HIV prevention programmes are making a difference.

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Pretoria 23 November 2009 - Although little research has been conducted on the role of same-sex HIV transmission in Africa, recent studies presented at international AIDS conferences in Mexico and Canada indicate HIV prevalence is considerably higher among men who have sex with men than in the general population.

According to an article published in the Lancet in July, the proportion of HIV incidence (i.e. the number of new HIV infections) is estimated to be as high as 20% in osme west African countries. However, the latest UNGASS country reports (2008) show that only 12% of men who have sex with men are accessing HIV prevention services across Africa.

Johannesburg. 19 November 2009 - Worldwide, the high rates of HIV in prisons pose a serious threat for prison populations and in turn, the broader community. The lack of knowledge and education amongst prisoners regarding the risks of contracting and transmitting HIV, along with the absence of protective measures and proper health services in prisons, increases their risks of infection. Upon release, despite having been at high risk of exposure for HIV transmission whilst in prison, most return to the community where they may engage in pre-existing high risk activities for the transmission of HIV such as sexual behaviour of multiple concurrent partners and Injecting Drug Use (IDU), and as a result increasing the risks of HIV infection for the broader community.

30 October 2009 - South Africa's response to AIDS received a powerful boost with President Jacob Zuma's landmark speech to the National Council of Provinces on 29 October 2009. The speech heralds the beginning of a new movement to accelerate access towards universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support in the country which has the largest number of people living with HIV. In his speech the President calls on all leaders to work together and use evidence to inform the country's AIDS response.

Congratulating the President on his bold leadership, UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé said, "President Zuma has shown extraordinary vision in prioritizing AIDS as an issue of national importance. His call to end denialism and embark on a national mobilization campaign will saves thousands of lives."

30 Septmeber 2009 - Geneva / Paris -- More than 4 million people in low- and middle-income countries were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) at the close of 2008, representing a 36% increase in one year and a ten-fold increase over five years, according to a new report released today by the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS).

Towards Universal Access: Scaling Up Priority HIV/AIDS Interventions in the Health Sector highlights other gains, including expanded HIV testing and counselling and improved access to services to prevent HIV transmission from mother to child.

"This report shows tremendous progress in the global HIV/AIDS response," said WHO Director-General Margaret Chan. "But we need to do more. At least 5 million people living with HIV still do not have access to life-prolonging treatment and care. Prevention services fail to reach many in need. Governments and international partners must accelerate their efforts to achieve universal access to treatment."

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02 July 2009

When African leaders discuss economic growth in Africa at this week’s African Union Summit, their options will be constrained by the growing AIDS epidemic and slow progress on reaching the Millennium Development Goals (MDG). For example, over the years we have seen agriculture output being impacted by people unable to till their fields or having to sell their land to take care of themselves and their families.