The Minister of Health of Brazil, Alexandre Padilha met with UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director, Luiz Loures on the country’s new HIV strategy in Brasilia on October 31.

Later this year, Brazil is planning to launch a new approach to the HIV response. While the strategy’s plan to provide life-saving antiretroviral therapy (ART) to everyone has received widespread attention, Minister Padilha provided more details on two other innovative aspects of the programme.

The new strategy will focus HIV programmes on geographic regions where HIV prevalence is much higher than the rest of the country. It also plans to expand ART coverage by task shifting HIV treatment services from special clinics to primary health care clinics.

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In recent years the Republic of Korea has transformed into a leading global powerhouse. It is the first major recipient of overseas development aid to become an important overseas donor itself and has become a model for economic and development progress.

Today, the Republic of Korea has one of the world’s largest global economies and is an active member of both the G20 and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. In a bid to learn from its experience and to use the lessons to further the global response to HIV, Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS made an important visit to the country to meet with some of the country’s leading political figures.

“Africa needs a knowledge economy and one of the best examples comes from the Republic of Korea,” said Mr Sidibé. “Korea can play a key role in helping countries in Asia and Africa to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.”

During a meeting with the Deputy Foreign Minister for Multilateral Affairs,  Shin Dong-ik, Mr Sidibé highlighted the urgent need to extend access to HIV services to everyone in need. He also emphasised the historic opportunity to create an AIDS-free generation by preventing new HIV infections among children through increasing access to low-cost antiretroviral medicines and strengthening maternal-child health services. These global efforts, he said, needed the full support of the Republic of Korea to succeed. The Deputy Foreign Minister confirmed the Republic of Korea’s commitment to the AIDS response and to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDG’s) including MDG 6.

Joining Mr Sidibé on the visit was Han Young Sil, former president of Sookmyung Women's University and Special Advisor to UNAIDS Executive Director. She said that, "Past experience of Korean community empowerment was key for business and social transformation."

During his visit Mr. Sidibé also met with UNAIDS International Goodwill Ambassador,  Myung-Bo Hong, Korean football star and Head Coach of the Korean National Football Team.  As part of his HIV prevention work Mr Hong is teaming up with other footballers around the globe to support UNAIDS ‘Protect the Goal’ campaign, which seeks to create an AIDS-free generation by preventing new HIV infections among children. 

“Mr Hong is a role model not just for youth but also for fans around the globe. His courage and support in mobilizing efforts for a world without HIV is invaluable,” said Mr Sidibé.

UNAIDS has signed a new Memorandum of Understanding with the United Nations World Tourism Organization Sustainable Tourism – Eliminating Poverty Foundation (UNWTO ST-EP Foundation).

UNAIDS and the UNWTO ST-EP Foundation will work with the Republic of Korea’s Yonsei University to support the UN MDG Thank You Small Library Initiative.

The Thank You Small Library initiative establishes small libraries in communities where children do not have access to reading and studying facilities. The main purpose is to provide both educational and entertainment opportunities through the enjoyment of reading.

One of the first shared projects will be to produce a children’s book focused on children living with HIV.

At the signing ceremony, Executive Director of UNAIDS Michel Sidibé discussed the importance of education with Ambassador Dho Young-shim, Chairperson of the UNWTO ST-EP Foundation and MDG Advocacy Group Member, and Professor Myongsei Sohn, Dean of the Graduate School of Public Health at Yonsei University in Seoul.

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The Executive Director of UNAIDS Michel Sidibé congratulated Ukraine for being the first country in Eastern Europe to reduce new HIV infections between 2001 and 2012. On October 23, the first day of his two-day official visit to Ukraine, Mr Sidibé met separately with the Head of the Health Committee of the Ukrainian Parliament Tatiana Bahteeva and the Minister of Health Raisa Bogatyreva.

In his meeting with Dr  Bogatyreva, Mr Sidibé thanked her for her personal role in leading the national AIDS response and in securing the government’s strong commitment to scaling-up HIV treatment and life-saving prevention services, including comprehensive harm reduction and opioid substitution therapy for drug users. They also discussed the importance of the new National AIDS programme for 2014-2018.

The National AIDS programme is expected to be endorsed by the Parliament of Ukraine in the coming months and was also an important theme in Mr Sidibé’s meeting with Dr Bahteeva. The Programme contains a number of ambitious goals, including the significant scaling up of antiretroviral treatment for people living with HIV and a major increase in government funding. 

Mr Sidibé expressed the hope that the country will sustain and build on the recent progress and ensure the long term sustainability of HIV services in Ukraine by taking full national ownership of the HIV response.

Ukraine is experiencing one of the most severe HIV epidemics in Eastern Europe, the region of the world which continues to have the largest increase in HIV incidence.

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Co-editors Sir George Alleyne and Professor Rose-Marie Belle Antoine at the launch of the publication in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, 22 October 2013. Credit: UNAIDS

A book exploring the challenges and legal stumbling blocks to overcoming stigma and discrimination in the Caribbean was launched on 22 October in Port-of-Spain, the capital of Trinidad and Tobago. Legal and Policy Perspectives on HIV and Human Rights in the Caribbean was co-edited by former United Nations Special Envoy on HIV for the Caribbean, Sir George Alleyne and law professor, Rose-Marie Belle Antoine. The publication includes contributions from a range of experts who participated in a high-level symposium convened by UNAIDS, the Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP) and the University of the West Indies (UWI) in 2010.

The book highlights issues surrounding discriminatory laws and policies in the region. It also provides academics and policy-makers with options for removing laws that limit people’s right to health, freedom of movement and equal access to housing, education and work.

Sir George stressed one of the key recommendations of the book—challenging discriminatory laws in courts—could be an effective process for their removal.  “The only countries in the Western Hemisphere that have laws criminalizing homosexual sex in private are in the Caribbean,” he said. “The possibility of changing that by appealing to the constitution is virtually zero. It has to be done through litigation.”

Sir George also applauded the UWI Rights Advocacy Project which aims to promote human rights, equality and social justice in the Caribbean by participating in human rights litigation.

Current UN Special Envoy on HIV and AIDS for the Caribbean, Edward Greene called the book “a launch pad—which will help the region’s progress toward ensuring equal rights and protection for all its people.”

UNAIDS provides technical support to the Caribbean Coalition for Social Justice (CCSJ), which provides legal counsel and financial aid to people who have experienced discrimination. UNAIDS is also working with countries to address stigma issues associated with sexual orientation and sexuality. It is developing a database on changes in public attitudes and its effect on electoral politics. Within the justice system it supports sensitivity training for court officers and police officers. UNAIDS will shortly release the findings of a new survey, the Caribbean Men’s Internet Survey (CARIMIS), which surveyed more than 3500 men who have sex with men in the Caribbean. 

UNAIDS Caribbean Regional Support Team Director, Ernest Massiah attended the book launch and welcomed its publication. “In 2013, one of the irrationalities we are living with is stigma based on HIV status, sexual behaviour and sexual orientation,” he said.

The President of the North, Central America, and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF), Jeffrey Webb, will be the recipient of the 2013 UNAIDS “Protect the Goal” Special Award for the Diaspora. The announcement was made during the opening of the 2013 CONCACAF Sports Summit taking place in the Cayman Island.

The “Protect the Goal” Award ceremony will take place on 15 January 2014 in Dakar, Senegal during the fourth Pan-African Youth Leadership Summit. Mr Webb will be honored for his exceptional work in using sport to advocate for social development.

The “Protect the Goal” campaign aims to raise awareness of HIV and mobilize young people to commit to HIV prevention. The special award highlights the value of football as a tool for social change. It emphasizes the importance of social responsibility and features individuals and organizations that play an important role in promoting social good and advocacy for HIV awareness and prevention through sport.

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100 000 more Brazilians living with HIV expected to benefit from proposed new prevention as treatment protocol

Some 100 000 more people living with HIV in Brazil are set to receive life-saving antiretroviral therapy (ART) under a major new initiative that will offer early treatment to all HIV-positive adults. It is estimated that between 430 000 and 520 000 people are living with HIV in Brazil — just over 300 000 of which are currently accessing treatment.

The initiative will not only enable more people living with HIV to stay alive and well, it is also part of the government’s efforts to harness the preventative impact of antiretroviral therapy to stop new HIV infections. Antiretroviral therapy is a powerful HIV prevention option as studies have shown that it can reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to a sexual partner by up to 96%.

According to Minister of Health Alexandre Padilha, the proposal put forward in Clinical protocol and therapeutic guidelines for managing HIV infection in adults cements Brazil’s leadership in the global AIDS response. “We are resuming a leading role in the response to the AIDS epidemic in the world. Currently, only two countries — the United States and France — recommend the use of early treatment,” he maintained. Fábio Mesquita, Director of the Department of STDs, AIDS and Viral Hepatitis, added, “Brazil will be the first developing country to adopt the policy of treatment as prevention.”

Key populations at the heart of new protocol

It is hoped that the new initiative will help to stem the advance of the virus, particularly among people most affected by HIV such as young men who have sex with men, sex workers, the transgender community and injecting drug users. For example, for men who have sex with men the estimated HIV prevalence is over 10%, more than 20 times higher than in the general population.

Reaching all people with life-saving services is high on Mr Padilha’s agenda. “We need to use all the available measures to reduce transmission, and the new protocol’s proposals should create a positive impact on the reduction of transmission of the HIV virus in these populations,” he said.

The Clinical Protocol document also sets out ways in which to clearly define and simplify treatment regimens, while strengthening adherence and the long-term effectiveness of antiretrovirals. There are plans to introduce a combined fixed dose, a 3-in-1 medication, as the preferred first-line regimen. This treatment is scheduled to be available in 2014.

"Brazil is once again showing bold leadership in the response to AIDS — and is doing so in an open and inclusive manner, through public consultation,” said UNAIDS Country Coordinator Georgiana Braga-Orillard. “The initiative will improve the lives of people living with HIV and reduce deaths due to AIDS across the country.”

The report is now under public consultation until 5 November and will be finalized before the end of the year. 

A complete text of the proposed new protocol is available at: www.saude.gov.br/consultapublica

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma inaugurated  celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. 2013 is being called the Year of Pan-Africanism and African Renaissance and Heads of State and Government in Africa are remembering the achievements of the OAU and its successor the African Union. Dr Dlamini-Zuma spoke about the importance of everyone participating in the year-long celebrations both in Africa and as part of the African diaspora. She said the event in Geneva was a moment to reflect on the past and even more importantly on the future.

The high-level participants of the day-long forum included ministers from Africa, representatives of international organizations and business leaders. UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé moderated a high-level panel on development in Africa. Participants spoke of the challenges the continent faces which range from food security to unemployment to conflict and they pointed to a need for innovation and a new paradigm. International singer and activist Angélique Kidjo also participated in the panel and spoke about the rights of African women.

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UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé expressed his gratitude for Queen Mathilde’s unprecedented commitment to the global AIDS response.

Belgium has taken a substantial step forward in its AIDS response this week with the launch of its first and much-anticipated National Strategic Plan on HIV. The plan was endorsed at the very highest level, with Queen Mathilde joining a number of top-ranking Belgian ministers and UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé to oversee the 15 October launch.

The 2014-2019 strategic plan has three central pillars:  HIV prevention; testing and treatment; and care and support. It addresses a context in which more than a thousand new HIV infections are being reported each year. The plan prioritizes most affected populations including 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 rate of new HIV infections has not declined in recent years.  

Far-reaching, multi-year and multi-sectoral, the plan was developed through a highly consultative process with the engagement of a range of actors including people living with HIV, key populations, medical professionals, community activists and national authorities. UNAIDS was also involved in its development.  

At the launch Mr Sidibé commended Belgium’s efforts in its commitment to the AIDS response and noted that the pioneering plan represented an ambitious model for other European countries, especially with its focus on key populations.

“This is an example of how a successful AIDS Plan should be designed—centred around people focused on preventing new HIV infections and comprehensive access to a full package of HIV services, particularly for the most vulnerable in society,” said Mr Sidibé. “I’m sure that once fully implemented the plan will enable Belgium to push its epidemic into rapid decline.”    

Following the launch Mr Sidibé had further discussions with Laurette Onkelinx Vice-Prime Minister of Belgium and the federal government’s Minister of Social Affairs and Public Health. During the meeting they discussed how best to address the challenges of ensuring the right to health for men who have sex with men, as well as migrant workers and refugees. Ms Onkelinx stressed Belgium’s political commitment to supporting vulnerable populations. 

“We have the responsibility for this plan to be more than just a great achievement – it should be a starting point,” said Ms Onkelinx. “A starting point for political action we will lead all together, by joining forces, with all partners assembled around one same cause”.

During his visit Mr Sidibé also met Queen Mathilde who has made the issue of HIV and children a personal priority and has endorsed the Global Plan towards the Elimination of New HIV Infections among Children by 2015 and Keeping Their Mothers Alive. Mr Sidibé expressed his gratitude for the Queen’s unprecedented commitment to the global AIDS response.

As well as taking full ownership for its domestic response to HIV, Belgium continues to play a key role in the international AIDS response. Playing an active role as member of UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board, earlier this year Belgium renewed its financial pledge to UNAIDS for 2013, 2014 and 2015 for an overall amount of EUR 14.52 million to support UNAIDS’ efforts in helping countries reach their HIV targets. This contribution places Belgium again among UNAIDS top 10 donors.

To further discussions around shared ideas on priorities and ways forward for the post-2015 development agenda Mr Sidibé participated in a bilateral consultation on HIV with the Belgian Federal Government.

UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé has been awarded the Degree of Doctor of Public Health (Honoris Causa) from Tuskegee University in Alabama – one of the oldest and well known historically black colleges in the United States. The degree was awarded in recognition of Mr Sidibé’s leadership in the international AIDS response.

Mr Sidibé received the honour while attending the University’s Annual Scholarship Convocation on 13 October 2013 as the keynote speaker. In his remarks, Mr Sidibe spoke about the parallels between the American civil rights struggle for justice and equality and the AIDS response, which promotes human rights and dignity for communities affected by the epidemic. He highlighted that in the United States, African Americans account for an estimated 44% of all new HIV infections among adults and adolescents, although representing only about 13% of the US population.

In awarding Mr Sidibe the doctorate, University President Gilbert L Rochon encouraged Mr Sidibe, through his leadership of UNAIDS and his new role as Tuskegee Alma Mater, to strengthen the university’s bridge with the United Nations and African countries to explore new breakthroughs in youth leadership, research and development, and public health. 

Tuskegee University is a renowned historically black university. Established in 1881 by Booker T. Washington, Tuskegee’s campus has been designated as a National Historic Site. Tuskegee University’s National Center for Bioethics in Research and Health Care is the first bioethics center in the United States devoted to exploring research and medical treatment of the African American community and other underserved populations.

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