Charity event spotlights HIV epidemics in Eastern Europe and Central Asia

VIENNA, 23 May 2011—Celebrities and influential leaders in the global AIDS response gathered at Vienna’s City Hall on 21 May for the 2011 Life Ball, Europe’s largest annual AIDS charity event. This year’s Life Ball commemorated 30 years of AIDS and focused on the rapidly growing HIV epidemics in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

“The Life Ball is not only about celebrating life, but also about creating a social movement to stop stigma and discrimination,” said Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS, speaking at a press conference on 21 May. “Gery (Keszler) and AIDS LIFE are a voice and force of change in this movement,” he added.

Mr Sidibé was joined at the press conference by Gery Keszler, co-founder and Chairman of AIDS LIFE, a non-profit organization that organizes the Life Ball. Other speakers included singer Janet Jackson representing amfAR, clothing designers Dean and Dan Caten of Dsquared2, and Hollywood actress Brooke Shields.

Before the opening ceremony of Life Ball, a number of eminent guests attended the AIDS Solidarity Gala, a fundraising dinner co-hosted by UNAIDS and AIDS LIFE under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Austria, Heinz Fischer. Proceeds from the event will be used, in part, to support UNAIDS programmes in the Russian Federation and Ukraine.

Over the past decade, the number of people living with HIV in Eastern Europe and Central Asia nearly tripled—from an estimated 530 000 in 2000 to 1.4 million in 2009. The Russian Federation and Ukraine together account for nearly 90% of newly reported HIV infections in the region. Though the epidemics in Eastern Europe and Central Asia are mainly concentrated among people who inject drugs, sex workers and men who have sex with men, these populations have limited access to HIV services.

At the Life Ball opening ceremony, 30 international personalities presented milestones in the epidemic’s 30-year history. The UNAIDS Executive Director highlighted the founding of UNAIDS in 1996 and the “glimmer of hope” that same year when combination antiretroviral therapy proved effective in keeping people living with HIV alive.

Former United States President Bill Clinton noted in his remarks that substantial price reductions in antiretroviral medicines since the year 2002 had greatly expanded access to treatment for millions of people. However, he said, a major treatment gap remains: “Ten million people in poor countries still need to be on (antiretroviral) medicines. If you want to cut the infection rate, if you want to cut the death rate, we have to finish the job.”

Every year, the Life Ball recognizes the work and dedication of pioneers in the AIDS response through the “Crystal of Hope” award. This year’s award of 100 000 EUR was presented to Anya Sarang, President of the Andrey Rylkov Foundation for Health and Social Justice, a non-governmental organization based in the Russian Federation that advocates for the human rights of people who use drugs.



Credit: UNAIDS/L.Taylor

In the context of decreasing international funding for HIV responses, policymakers in many middle- and low- income countries are trying to contain the increasing costs for service delivery, commodities, drugs and other costs, while at the same time scaling up HIV prevention, treatment and care services.

In order to help countries monitor and evaluate the economic aspects of HIV service provision, UNAIDS has produced a generic HIV facility costing document titled  Manual for Costing HIV Facilities and Services.

The manual, together with an accompanying Workbook for collection of Cost Information of HIV Services, have been produced to provide standardized guidance for countries to collect cost data in their facilities that provide HIV prevention or treatment services.

“A major problem in middle- and low-income countries continues to be a lack of basic information on the use of services, their cost, outcome and impact; those few costing studies which are performed are often not done so in a standardized fashion,” said Eddy Beck, UNAIDS Senior Technical Advisor.

The new publications aim to provide policymakers and implementers with the tools to provide robust and contemporary strategic data, which can inform their national strategic plans. This includes financial information on expenditure and costs to help the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of HIV services that are sustainable in the long term.

Efficiencies can pre-empt increasing costs such as the future number of people requiring second- or third-line drugs thanks to the success in closing the gap in treatment access. These guidelines are therefore designed to help countries achieve such much-needed efficiency gains that will allow them to efficiently scale up and deliver all HIV services required.

The World Health Assembly today adopted a new comprehensive Global Health Sector Strategy for HIV/AIDS 2011-2015, spearheaded by the World Health Organization (WHO). The strategy aims to provide a detailed and comprehensive guide to how health sectors can most effectively tackle the epidemic.

Recognizing that the nature of the epidemic has evolved in recent years, and that the AIDS response has to be dynamic and flexible, the World Health Assembly in 2010 called for a new HIV strategy to inform global health sector action. In consultation with some 100 member states, civil society and other key players, a number of whom participated online; a strategy has been formulated which takes into account great strides made in the AIDS response and maps out what needs to be done in the future.

The latest UNAIDS global report has shown that the AIDS epidemic has been halted and that the spread of HIV is beginning to be reversed. New infections have fallen by almost 20% in the last 10 years and between 2003 and 2009 there was a 13-fold increase in treatment coverage. However, in 2009 only a third of people in need of treatment received it and the demand for resources is still outstripping supply.

The new Global Health Sector Strategy for HIV/AIDS, which is fully aligned with, and complements, the UNAIDS strategy 2011-15, Getting to Zero, will operate within this changed landscape to optimize progress towards universal access and the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals. It promotes tailored responses to national and regional epidemics and analyzes the underlying socio-economic and cultural determinants contributing to the spread of the virus.

The strategy seeks to reduce vulnerability and structural barriers to accessing good quality services. It also demonstrates how HIV programmes can play a role in broader health outcomes and recognizes the importance of strong health and community systems to guarantee a sustainable response.

WHO will make five key contributions to the Global Health Sector Strategy:

• Scale up innovation in prevention
• Optimize treatment and care
• Support health for women and children
• Promote strategic health-sector information and planning
• Provide leadership in addressing health equity and HIV (examining inequities in access to HIV services)

The new strategy represents another significant step forward in the global response to HIV.

Visitors to the Positive Faces photo exhibition.

To highlight the power of people to create social change including ending HIV-related stigma, a photography exhibition has opened in Cairo. It displays a combination of portraits from the Egyptian revolution that took place in January 2011 and portraits submitted to a World AIDS Day photo contest in 2010 by young photographers under the theme Positive Faces.

It has been 30 years since a grassroots movement of activists mobilized in response to HIV that was impacting their communities. They had no money and even less recognition from the world but with courage and strong belief in their cause they made, and continue to make, a difference for people infected with and affected by HIV. Now, a photo exhibition brings together two movements led by anonymous individuals and communities that share a call for equity and justice.

The exhibition, co-organized by UNAIDS and Sawy Cultural Wheel, opened on 11 May and will run until 21 May at the Cultural Centre in central Cairo. It borrows from the spirit of the Egyptian revolution to extend dignity and freedom to people living with HIV and affected communities.

The launch event included a discussion forum with panellists Menna Shalabi, UNAIDS National Goodwill Ambassador for Egypt; the photographer Mr Monir El Shazly; and Dr Mohamed Slalah, President of the International Federation of Medical Students Association in Egypt.

While Dr Slalah underlined the role of art in communicating messages to promote social justice and human rights, Ms Shalaby drew from her personal engagement with people living with HIV to emphasize that people can get trapped by feelings of disempowerment. “I hope that people living with HIV in the country realize they have the power to make a difference, to help themselves and others by speaking up for their rights,” she said.

Menna Shalabi, UNAIDS National Goodwill Ambassador for Egypt at the launch of the photo exhibition.

Mr Shazly, who is a professional photographer of note, commented that the photographs were so expressive and profound that they communicated to both the heart and mind. In his opinion, the sense of solidarity around a common cause is what drove the popular uprising and revolution in Egypt. “The HIV response needs to solicit the same sense of unity and people living with HIV should realize they have the power to make that happen,” he said.

Wessam El Beih, UNAIDS Country Officer Egypt explains that the idea to combine photographs was, “to emphasize that overcoming the fear and silence barrier is key to galvanize action that brings about change and the realization of rights.”

Three winners of the 2010 HIV photo contest were presented with digital cameras sponsored by Canon during the launch. The first prize winner, Dina Ezzat, explained that her child was the inspiration behind her photograph. According to Ms Ezzat, the image of a baby wrapped in a red ribbon symbolizes that the future can be bright and free from HIV, and that there is an obligation for society to protect that future through an effective AIDS response.

Credit: UN Photo/Marie Frechon

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) have published On the front line: A review of programmes that address HIV among international peacekeepers and uniformed services 2005–2010. This report outlines the progress made and the obstacles encountered in implementing Resolution 1308 and will serve as background when the Security Council meet on 7 June to deliberate progress towards the resolution.

In 2000 when the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 1308 it was a watershed moment in the global AIDS response. It was the first time in its history that the Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution addressing a public health concern and its implications for international peace and security.

The resolution recognized that societal violence and instability exacerbate the spread of HIV and, left unchecked, could pose a threat to international peace and security. It called on UNAIDS and DPKO to develop HIV-specific strategies and programmes within the context of United Nations peacekeeping operations.

The report notes that significant progress has been made in providing access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support services for all sections of society—including peacekeepers and other uniformed services personnel. Nevertheless, during the past 10 years, the evolving landscape of crises and conflicts throughout the world has reshaped these challenges and underscored the need for a new response to AIDS in the context of United Nations actions to help prevent conflict, ensure security and build peace.

Writing in the introduction, Michel Sidibé, UNAIDS Executive Director and Alain Le Roy, Under-Secretary-General for United Nations Peacekeeping Operations note: “There are clearly new opportunities for consolidating the progress and addressing new challenges. The imperative to further explore the relationship between AIDS and insecurity is also clear.”

Credit: UNAIDS

In her keynote address to the 2011 World Health Assembly, taking place in Geneva from 16-24 May, Prime Minister of Bangladesh Her Excellency Sheikh Hasina highlighted the progress made by her country in the response to HIV. “In Bangladesh, we have been able to keep HIV prevalence rates to less than 0.01% due to our effective national programme aided by our strong inherent social values. The decline has been due to rapid expansion of HIV services and dedicated AIDS financing.”

Ms Hasina also noted that although progress has been made in the global response to HIV, due attention and continued support from international community should continue.

The Prime Minister of Bangladesh discussed the serious impact that HIV has on migrant workers during a bilateral meeting with UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé. More than five million Bangladesh citizens work abroad, mostly in the Middle East region, where many face lack of HIV services due to their migrant status which can make people even more vulnerable to HIV infection.  

During the meeting, Mr Sidibé recognized the special contribution of the Government of Bangladesh to United Nations Peacekeeping Operations. Bangladesh is ranked first in terms of its contribution, with more than 10 000 military and law enforcement personnel attached to various UN peacekeeping forces worldwide. UNAIDS is working closely with the members of the UN Security Council to review programmes that addresses HIV among international peacekeepers and uniformed services.

The UNAIDS Executive Director also took the opportunity to commend the Government of Bangladesh for hosting the opening of the 2011 Cricket World Cup, which featured messages on HIV-related stigma and discrimination. According to Mr Sidibé, “the Government of Bangladesh and the International Cricket Council demonstrated that cricket is a powerful force for promoting respect and dignity of people living with HIV.”

Credit: WHO/Oliver O'Hanlon

The full adoption of the new draft World Health Organization (WHO) global health strategy for HIV 2011-2015 will be a key focus of discussion at the 64^th World Health Assembly, taking place in Geneva from 16-24 May and attended by Health Ministers and officials from more than 190 countries. Intended as a global call to action, the comprehensive draft strategy maps out the WHO latest guidance and approaches to successfully challenging today’s evolving AIDS epidemic.

The World Health Assembly, the highest decision-making body of the World Health Organization which sets policy and approves the budget, will also debate a multiplicity of other issues. These include: pandemic influenza preparedness, cholera and the mechanism for control and prevention, infant and young child nutrition, youth and health risks, safe management of drinking water, climate change and health prevention and control of non-communicable diseases and malaria. The future of financing for WHO will also be high on the agenda.

Today WHO Director-General Dr Margaret Chan will address the Assembly and on 17 May invited speakers Mrs Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of Bangladesh, and Bill Gates, Co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, will take the floor.  

Four technical meetings, ranging from public health concerns and radiation health to information and accountability for the health of women and children are also scheduled.

In addition to setting policy, the Assembly will give the gathered government representatives, medical professionals and academics the chance to exchange ideas and experiences. Regional meetings for Ministers of Health are set to provide an opportunity to explore specifically relevant issues.

Credit: UNAIDS

In the sidelines of the World Health Assembly, taking place in Geneva from 16-24 May, UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé and Brazilian Minister of Health Alexander Padilha met to discuss the global AIDS response and promote South-South cooperation.

Mr Sidibe and Mr Padilha talked about the participation and role of Brazil during the upcoming General Assembly High Level Meeting on AIDS that will take place in New York from 8-10 June 2011.

HIV treatment for prevention was highlighted as one of the country’s success stories and an area where Brazil could drive the push for innovation and transfer of technologies between countries. Both leaders also reflected the sports and HIV advocacy opportunities provided by the FIFA World Cup that will be hosted by Brazil in 2014.

Dr Paul DeLay, UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director, Programme
Credit: UNAIDS

The fourth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC-IV) ran 9-13 May in Istanbul, Turkey. Member states met to discuss objectives and targets for the next decade 2011-2021.

According to Mithat Rende, coordinator for the LDC-IV, "There are 48 least developed countries in the world with a population of 950 million.” These countries account for 12% of the world’s population and an estimated half of people in these countries live in conditions of extreme poverty.

To place gender equality and the empowerment of women at the centre of discussions on human and social development, a high level interactive debate was held on 12 May.

The debate, which brought together leaders in the field of governance, development and United Nations bodies, was co-chaired by Peter Shanel Agovaka, Minister of Foreign Affairs & External Trade, Solomon Islands and Steven Vanackere, Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Belgium.

UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director, Programme, Paul De Lay described how an effective and sustainable AIDS response has created solidarity and cohesion around common priority issues across the development spectrum. Addressing the underlying social and economic drivers of the epidemic and companion health, development and rights challenges helps catalyze positive social change and accelerate development. He noted, “Successes will depend on the engagement of key populations in every facet of the response.”

“Removing common barriers that unblock progress on AIDS, such as gender inequality, also advance progress on maternal and child health and universal education,” Dr De Lay said. “The AIDS response has built bridges for health, development and human rights,” he added.

Development, gender inequality, and HIV

The 2010 Human Development Report showed that the countries with low human development score highest in a Gender Inequality Index. Women in these countries have lower access to education and economic opportunities, and lack of a political voice.

Women make up around half of all people living with HIV and 76% of women living with HIV live in sub-Saharan Africa. Some 30 years since AIDS was first reported, persistent gender inequality and human rights violations continue to put women and girls at a greater risk of and vulnerability to HIV.

These obstacles are hampering progress and threaten the gains that have been made in preventing new HIV infections and in increasing access to treatment. In addition to their biological susceptibility to HIV, women and girls face many interacting socio-cultural, economic and legal challenges that amplify their vulnerability.

The participants discussed the need to define concrete goals that can be evaluated by better data in order to mainstream gender and social protection in a meaningful way into development programmes. Ensuring that social protection policies are gender responsive and inclusive are seen as critical components of this agenda for future action. There was a call for smart investments in women and girls and the need to invest in young people including in their education and reproductive health.

Ensuring universal access

Earlier in the week Dr De Lay moderated a side event on Ensuring universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support services: country perspectives during which he gave an overview of the history of universal access. Looking ahead to next month’s General Assembly gathering he said, “The 2011 High Level Meeting from 8–10 June will present a unique opportunity to review progress and reinvigorate the AIDS response. The time has come to reaffirm commitments against global targets.”

A keynote speech was delivered on behalf of Bathabile Olive Dlamini, South Africa’s Minister of Social Development, by Zane Dangor, Special Advisor to the Ministry, Department of Social Development. The speech presented the outcomes of the International Advisory Group on Universal Access which convened recently in Johannesburg, and discussed progress in HIV in the broader context of solidarity for human rights. He stressed that the AIDS movement has proved that human rights are not just about values and ideology:  protecting human rights is a requirement for saving lives. Panelists from Tanzania, Nepal and the African Union illustrated this point with powerful experiences working with national AIDS programmes, young people, communities and families in scaling-up to universal access.

Five-year-old Sophia on her Move it! decorated bike during the launch event of the campaign outside the UN in Geneva.
Credit: UNAIDS

HIV activists, bike enthusiasts, and community members gathered in front of the United Nations in Geneva on 13 May, to launch the television and social media campaign Move it! The campaign aims to create a movement of support for a successful outcome at the United Nations General Assembly High Level Meeting on AIDS in New York from 8-10 June 2011.

Amid HIV bike decorations and music, a more serious matter drew people together on the square. While more than six million people are now accessing treatment in low and middle income countries, and people around the world are adopting safer sexual practices, gains are fragile. There are still about nine million people waiting for treatment, and 2.6 million people were newly infected with HIV in 2009.

“The High Level Meeting on AIDS is an opportunity to shift gears in the AIDS response. To raise awareness in the lead up to the High Level Meeting, we are launching the Move it! campaign,” said Mr Tim Martineau, UNAIDS Director, Programme Effectiveness and Country Support Department. “Without public expectations, we cannot be sure of a successful outcome. Social Media offers an excellent channel to rally such support,” he added.

The campaign will run on social networks from the launch event in Geneva, during three weeks in the lead up to the High Level Meeting on AIDS. People around the world can creatively decorate their bikes with AIDS awareness materials and share photos of their creations on the UNAIDS Facebook page. UNAIDS fans on Facebook will be able to vote for the best bike in early June.

Move it! uses the bike as a vehicle to raise awareness about HIV, with the spinning wheel symbolizing the movement and force of the AIDS response. Anyone can participate and take awareness messages to the streets:

“I like the way the red ribbons go round and around on my wheels,” said five-year-old Sophia decorating her bike.  

The campaign will culminate on 5 June in New York City, ahead of the opening of the High Level Meeting. A campaign video has been developed that will be aired across Africa, and will also be available on UNAIDS YouTube channel.

To find out how to get involved visit www.facebook.com/UNAIDS or join the conversation on Twitter