New report from UNAIDS gives evidence and highlights best practices on confronting stigma and discrimination to ensure access to health services

GENEVA, 3 October 2017—UNAIDS has released a new report showing how stigma and discrimination is creating barriers to accessing HIV prevention, testing and treatment services and putting lives at risk.

The report, Confronting discrimination: overcoming HIV-related stigma and discrimination in health-care settings and beyond, was launched by the Executive Director of UNAIDS, Michel Sidibé, during the Human Rights Council Social Forum. It shows that people living with HIV who experience high levels of HIV-related stigma are more than twice as likely to delay enrolment into care than people who do not perceive HIV-related stigma.

“When people living with, or at risk of, HIV are discriminated against in health-care settings, they go underground. This seriously undermines our ability to reach people with HIV testing, treatment and prevention services,” said Mr Sidibé. “Stigma and discrimination is an affront to human rights and puts the lives of people living with HIV and key populations in danger.”

Often, people living with HIV avoid going to clinics for fear of having their status disclosed or of suffering further stigma and discrimination based on their HIV status. Across 19 countries with available data, one in five people living with HIV avoided going to a clinic or hospital because they feared stigma or discrimination related to their HIV status. When people living with HIV wait until they are very ill before seeking help, they are less likely to respond well to antiretroviral therapy.

The report highlights that these fears are not unfounded. Across 19 countries with available data, one in four people living with HIV have experienced discrimination in health-care settings and one in three women living with HIV have experienced at least one form of discrimination in health-care settings related to their sexual and reproductive health.

Where programmes have been put in place to respond to stigma and discrimination, access to services for HIV prevention, testing and treatment has improved. In one clinic in Namibia, a shift towards integrated health service delivery led to a 20% reduction in deaths among people with HIV.

The report highlights that, in order to reach all people living with, or at risk of, HIV and to link them with HIV prevention and treatment services, the world must step forward and confront discrimination.

The Human Rights Council Social Forum is taking place in Geneva, Switzerland, from 2 to 4 October under the theme of Promotion and protection of human rights in the context of the HIV epidemic and other communicable diseases and epidemics.

UNAIDS

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

World leaders come together to renew the urgency around ending AIDS as part of the Sustainable Development Goals

GENEVA/NEW YORK, 21 September 2017—The President of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni, in collaboration with UNAIDS, brought together six heads of state or government to accelerate action and get countries on the Fast-Track to end AIDS. World leaders joined around 500 partners from government, the private sector and civil society on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly to reinvigorate political leadership around HIV.

The Fast-Track approach is saving more and more lives. In 2016, 19.5 million people—more than half the 36.7 million people living with HIV—were accessing life-saving treatment. The number of people who died from AIDS-related illnesses has been reduced by nearly half since 2005, and the global number of new HIV infections has been reduced by 11% since 2010.

However, the pace of action is still not enough to end the AIDS epidemic as a public health threat by 2030. In order to step up progress and achieve the global targets adopted in the 2016 United Nations Political Declaration on Ending AIDS, all partners need to fully implement their country Fast-Track strategy. Ending AIDS requires steadfast political leadership, commitment to action and accountability towards shared responsibility and reaffirmed global solidarity. Increased effective and efficient investments are, and will continue to be, an essential prerequisite for success. Elimination of stigma and discrimination and full recognition of human rights are cornerstones of sustainable progress.

“Leadership, partnership and innovation will transform the epidemic,” said UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé.

President Museveni was the first head of state in Africa to launch a presidential Fast-Track initiative on ending AIDS as a public health threat, known as “Kisanja Hakuna Mchezo”, or “no time for playing games”.

“I am confident that working together with you all, we shall attain an AIDS-free Africa. It is possible to end AIDS in our generation!” said President Museveni.

During the event, the speakers outlined the positive impact that the Fast-Track approach to ending AIDS is having on people, health systems and the broader Sustainable Development Goals in Africa and beyond. They noted that addressing HIV within the Sustainable Development Goals will pave the foundation of the AIDS response.

“We must build on the Fast-Track commitments. We cannot stop before we have reached the finish line,” said Jacquelyne Alesi, a civil society representative from Uganda.

Speakers made a strong call for political leadership, global solidarity and shared responsibility to build momentum and deliver on the goal of ending AIDS by 2030, highlighting the role that supporting strengthened health systems plays, not just in making progress towards the Fast-Track Targets, but also in addressing stigma and discrimination.

“I am not speaking of a vague hope, but of a willingness of the heart. I do not say “we could defeat AIDS,” but rather “we will end AIDS,” said Line Renaud, singer and AIDS activist.

Momentum is building, but has not yet reached a critical mass. When the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Political Declaration on Ending AIDS in June 2016, Member States committed to achieve global and regional Fast-Track Targets by 2020.

Quotes from speakers

“I call for a global solidarity so that the initiative of 2 million community workers in Africa becomes a reality and strengthens our health systems for the benefit of the people.” Alpha Condé, President of Guinea

“We are still facing challenges in addressing the control of new infection rates, particularly among adolescent girls and young women. We must give priority attention to HIV prevention by providing bold political leadership and mobilizing adequate resources for HIV prevention.” King Mswati III, Swaziland

“Now is the time to act. It’s no time for complacency.” Danny Faure, President of Seychelles

“I am delighted to say Botswana has made significant strides towards 90–90–90 because of its robust approach to ensuring access to treatment for all and because of its strong and unflinching leadership and political commitment towards ending AIDS.” Mokgweetsi Masisi, Vice-President of Botswana

“Either we unite in fighting to end AIDS or we lose the cause. With a solid unity of purpose, determination of political will and commitment of resources, we can end AIDS.” Arthur Peter Mutharika, President of Malawi

“Zambia’s commitment to tackling the AIDS epidemic has been durable and consistent.” Edgar Chagwa Lungu, President of Zambia

“I want us to change the African proverb. I want us to go faster and further together so that we can make the impossible possible.” Deborah Birx, United States Global AIDS Coordinator and Special Representative for Global Health Diplomacy

“We should have no tolerance for discrimination. We can do this together, leaving no one behind.” Lorena Castillo de Varela, First Lady of Panama and UNAIDS Special Ambassador for AIDS in Latin America

“The young people are telling us that parents are not listening. The most important partnership is that of the mother and father, because when that partnership fails to protect our children, particularly our young girls, from harm, our society fails.” Monica Geingos, First Lady of Namibia and UNAIDS Special Advocate for Young Women and Adolescent Girls

“I encourage decision-makers, government and all of our partners to unite more than ever, because it is together that we will defeat this epidemic.” Dominique Ouattara, First Lady of Côte d’Ivoire and UNAIDS Special Ambassador for the Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission

“I reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to achieving the Fast-Track Targets towards ending AIDS by 2030.” Sani Ali-yu, Director, National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Nigeria

“We pledge our long-term support to this noble cause and Fast-Tracking towards the end of AIDS.” Eric Wang, Secretary General, China–Africa Business Council

View event highlights:

UNAIDS

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

New York – A breakthrough pricing agreement has been announced which will accelerate the availability of the first affordable, generic, single-pill HIV treatment regimen containing dolutegravir (DTG) to public sector purchasers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) at around US$75 per person, per year. The agreement is expected to accelerate treatment rollout as part of global efforts to reach all 36.7 million people living with HIV with high-quality antiretroviral therapy. UNAIDS estimates that in 2016, just over half (19.5 million) of all people living with HIV had access to the lifesaving medicines.

DTG, a best-in-class integrase inhibitor, is widely used in high-income countries and is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an alternative first-line HIV regimen, as well as a preferred treatment by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Panel on Antiretroviral Guidelines for Adults and Adolescents, among many others. In addition to improving treatment quality and retention, widespread use of DTG is expected to lower the cost of first-line HIV treatment regimens while also reducing the need for more expensive second- and third-line regimens. In July 2017, WHO issued guidance to countries on how to safely and rapidly transition to DTG-based antiretroviral treatment.

This agreement, announced by the governments of South Africa and Kenya, together with the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), Unitaid, the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID), the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, with Mylan Laboratories Limited and Aurobindo Pharma, takes an important step toward ensuring the availability of worldwide high-quality treatment for HIV.

“This agreement will improve the quality of life for millions of people living with HIV,” said UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé. “To achieve the 90-90-90 treatment targets, newer, affordable and effective treatment options must be made available—from Baltimore to Bamako—without any delay.”

WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom stated, "WHO welcomes this agreement which will make it possible to reach millions of people with better, more affordable and durable HIV drugs. This will save lives for the most vulnerable, bringing the world closer to the elimination of HIV. We congratulate South Africa, Kenya, CHAI and others on this landmark agreement. WHO will support countries in the safe introduction and a swift transition to this game-changing new treatment."

This one pill, once-a-day generic fixed-dose combination of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, lamivudine, and dolutegravir (TLD) was developed by Mylan and Aurobindo under licensing agreements from ViiV Healthcare, the original developer of DTG. Mylan and Aurobindo both recently received tentative approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for their products under the United States PEPFAR program. Clinical studies demonstrated that treatment regimens that use DTG result in more rapid suppression of viral load, fewer side effects, and greater potency against drug resistance than current regimens used in LMICs.

“I am excited about this innovative agreement which will allow the government of South Africa to accelerate the introduction of the dolutegravir-based fixed-dose combination which will greatly benefit our patients due to its superior therapeutic qualities,” said Minister of Health of South Africa Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi. “The considerable price reductions could yield savings of up to US$900 million over the next six years for us, which means that we can initiate additional patients on treatment with the same amount of resources. Ramping up treatment with good viral suppression will enable us to reach HIV epidemic control more quickly. We are aiming at launching the new tender in April 2018.”

“In the antiretroviral therapy guidelines launched in July 2016, the Ministry of Health made provisions for use of newer antiretroviral medicines such as dolutegravir,” said Dr. Cleopa Mailu, Cabinet Secretary of Health in Kenya. “Research has shown that dolutegravir offers better tolerability, fewer adverse drug reactions, fewer drug interactions, and higher genetic barrier to resistance. It is with this in mind that, in July this year, Kenya approved its inclusion in the National ART Program.”

“The Global Fund is excited to be part of this great initiative that will help us save more lives,” said Marijke Wijnroks, Interim Executive Director of the Global Fund. “As we strive to end HIV as an epidemic, we are committed to supporting people affected by diseases to access better products.”

The BMGF, with the support of CHAI, recently completed ceiling price agreements with Mylan and Aurobindo with the goal of accelerating the availability of the new fixed-dose combination to the public sector in over 90 LMICs at reduced pricing. The agreements, which set an upper price limit for TLD, are by some estimates expected to save public sector purchasers over US$1 billion over the next six years.

“As a doctor with deep, personal experience of the heartache and despair caused by HIV and AIDS, I’m excited by the prospect of bringing better treatment to more people than ever before,” stated BMGF CEO Sue Desmond-Hellmann. “This unprecedented new partnership - the largest of its kind ever seen in

global health - will transform millions of lives by making a highly-effective drug more affordable to countries with the largest numbers of people living with HIV. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is uniquely placed to help in this endeavor - and I’m delighted that our investment will give millions more people a shot at leading a healthy, productive life.”

Ministries of Health and program managers should anticipate being able to order TLD in 2018 at around a projected average price of US$75 per patient, per year. Further pricing details are available upon request to Mylan or Aurobindo. The ceiling price agreements apply to purchases for public sector use in all 92 countries covered under ViiV Healthcare’s dolutegravir licensing agreement, representing over 90 percent of people in LMICs currently living with HIV.

To build momentum for TLD and familiarize healthcare workers with the drug in resource-limited settings, Unitaid partnered with CHAI beginning in late 2016 to make generic DTG single tablets available in three early adopter countries: Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda. Partnering with WHO, USAID, and the Ministries of Health, this innovative initiative is giving countries an opportunity to improve treatment offerings for their patients while also generating critical evidence on the use of DTG in certain populations, including pregnant women and tuberculosis (TB) co-infected patients.

“Unitaid’s investments have laid the foundation for the ground-breaking introduction of TLD at an affordable price,” said Lelio Marmora, Unitaid’s Executive Director. “Through our catalytic work we are overcoming barriers, thereby enabling countries like Kenya to access the latest HIV treatments on the market.” 

“This groundbreaking agreement will help improve the lives of millions of patients by reducing costs and increasing availability of a one pill, once daily fixed-dose-combination including dolutegravir,” stated Ira Magaziner, CEO of CHAI. “This drug combination is better tolerated and more effective and will lead to improved health outcomes by ensuring that fewer HIV patients develop drug resistance and that more remain on treatment.”

About UNAIDS

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

About the Clinton Health Access Initiative

Founded in 2002, by President William J. Clinton and Ira C. Magaziner, the Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc. (“CHAI”) is a global health organization committed to saving lives, reducing the burden of disease and strengthening integrated health systems in the developing world. Learn more at www.clintonhealthaccess.org                

About the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, it focuses on improving people's health and giving them the chance to lift themselves out of hunger and extreme poverty. In the United States, it seeks to ensure that all people—especially those with the fewest resources—have access to the opportunities they need to succeed in school and life. Based in Seattle, Washington, the foundation is led by CEO Sue Desmond-Hellmann and Co-chair William H. Gates Sr., under the direction of Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett.

About Unitaid

Unitaid invests in new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, tuberculosis and malaria more quickly, affordably and effectively. It brings the power of new medical discoveries to the people who most need them. And it helps set the stage for the large-scale introduction of new health products by collaborating with Governments and funding partners such as PEPFAR and the Global Fund.

About the Global Fund

The Global Fund is a 21st-century partnership designed to accelerate the end of AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria as epidemics. As a partnership between governments, civil society, the private sector and people affected by the diseases, the Global Fund mobilizes and invests nearly US$4 billion a year to support programs run by local experts in more than 100 countries. The Global Fund’s operating costs are approximately 2 percent of grants under management, reflecting an exceptionally high degree of efficiency. By challenging barriers and embracing innovative approaches, we are working together to better serve people affected by the diseases.

About USAID

USAID is a key implementing agency of the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and is responsible for over half of all PEPFAR programs with activities focused in 35 priority countries and regions, mainly in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. For more information, please visit: www.usaid.gov  

Donor government funding to support HIV efforts in low- and middle-income countries decreased by US$511 million from US$7.5 billion in 2015 to US$7 billion in 2016, finds a new report from the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). This marks the second successive year of declines, and is the lowest level since 2010.

The decrease stems from actual cuts in funding (accounting for an approximate net 50% of the decline), exchange rate fluctuations (20%), and the timing of U.S. contributions to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (30%), due to U.S. law that limits its funding to one-third of total contributions to the Global Fund.

In 2016, bilateral funding decreased by slightly more than US$100 million, falling for nine of 14 donors profiled (seven of which declined in currency of origin). Multilateral contributions fell by US$400 million. As noted above, some of this was due to U.S. legislative limitations on Global Fund contributions. However, some was due to donor decisions to front-load their funding early in the 2014-2016 Global Fund pledge period.

“AIDS investments provide exceptional value for money. We have wisely invested in providing life-saving HIV treatment and prevention services for millions of people and are seeing the results of those investments today,” said Michel Sidibé, UNAIDS Executive Director. “Declining international resources will hamper our ability to reach the 17 million people who still need treatment.”

“Donor government funding for HIV continues to be on the decline,” said Kaiser Family Foundation Vice President Jen Kates, Director of Global Health and HIV Policy. “Recent proposed cuts from the U.S., amidst other competing demands on donor budgets, will likely contribute to an ongoing climate of uncertainty around funding for HIV going forward.”

The U.S. continued to be the largest donor to HIV efforts, providing US$4.9 billion in 2016, followed by the U.K., France, the Netherlands, and Germany. When standardized by size of its economy, however, the U.S. ranked third.

The new report, produced as a partnership between the Kaiser Family Foundation and UNAIDS, provides the latest data available on donor government funding based on data provided by governments. It includes their bilateral assistance to low- and middle-income countries and contributions to the Global Fund as well as UNITAID.  “Donor government funding” refers to disbursements, or payments, made by donors. Donor contributions to multilateral organizations are counted as part of their disbursements.

The Kaiser Family Foundation

Filling the need for trusted information on national health issues, the Kaiser Family Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in Menlo Park, California.

UNAIDS

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

The 90–90–90 targets are galvanizing global action and saving lives. Eastern and southern Africa leading the way in reducing new HIV infections by nearly 30% since 2010—Malawi, Mozambique, Uganda and Zimbabwe have reduced new HIV infection by nearly 40% or more since 2010. Concerted efforts still needed for children, adolescents, men and key populations, and in certain regions.

GENEVA/PARIS, 20 July 2017—UNAIDS has released a new report showing that for the first time the scales have tipped: more than half of all people living with HIV (53%) now have access to HIV treatment and AIDS-related deaths have almost halved since 2005. In 2016, 19.5 million of the 36.7 million people living with HIV had access to treatment, and AIDS-related deaths have fallen from 1.9 million in 2005 to 1 million in 2016. Provided that scale-up continues, this progress puts the world on track to reach the global target of 30 million people on treatment by 2020.

“We met the 2015 target of 15 million people on treatment and we are on track to double that number to 30 million and meet the 2020 target,” said Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “We will continue to scale up to reach everyone in need and honour our commitment of leaving no one behind.”

The region showing the most progress is eastern and southern Africa, which has been most affected by HIV and which accounts for more than half of all people living with HIV. Since 2010, AIDS-related deaths have declined by 42%. New HIV infections have declined by 29%, including a 56% drop in new HIV infections among children over the same period, a remarkable achievement resulting from HIV treatment and prevention efforts that is putting eastern and southern Africa on track towards ending its AIDS epidemic.

WHAT’S ON TRACK

90–90–90 progress

The report, Ending AIDS: progress towards the 90–90–90 targets, gives a detailed analysis of progress and challenges towards achieving the 90–90–90 targets. The targets were launched in 2014 to accelerate progress so that, by 2020, 90% of all people living with HIV know their HIV status, 90% of all people with diagnosed HIV are accessing sustained antiretroviral therapy and 90% of all people accessing antiretroviral therapy are virally suppressed.

The report shows that in 2016 more than two thirds (70%) of people living with HIV now know their HIV status. Of the people who know their status, 77% were accessing treatment, and of the people accessing treatment, 82% were virally supressed, protecting their health and helping to prevent transmission of the virus.

Eastern and southern Africa, western and central Europe and North America and Latin America are on track to reach the 90–90–90 targets by 2020. In eastern and southern Africa, 76% of people living with HIV know their HIV status, 79% of people who know their HIV-positive status have access to antiretroviral therapy and 83% of people who are on treatment have undetectable levels of HIV—this equates to 50% of all people living with HIV in eastern and southern Africa with viral suppression. The Caribbean and Asia and the Pacific can also reach the 90–90–90 targets if programmes are further accelerated.

Seven countries have already achieved the 90–90–90 targets—Botswana, Cambodia, Denmark, Iceland, Singapore, Sweden and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland—and many more are close to achieving it.

“Ending AIDS is possible - it is a shared engagement and aspiration. One that cities can lead while promoting inclusive societies for all,” said Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris.

The most significant impact of 90–90–90 scale-up has been in reducing AIDS-related deaths, which have been reduced by almost half in the past 10 years. As a result, life expectancy has increased significantly in the most affected countries. In eastern and southern Africa, life expectancy increased by nearly 10 years from 2006 to 2016.

“Communities and families are thriving as AIDS is being pushed back,” said Mr Sidibé. “As we bring the epidemic under control, health outcomes are improving and nations are becoming stronger.”

90-90-90: more work to do

Progress against the 90–90–90 targets has, however, been poor in the Middle East and North Africa and in eastern Europe and central Asia, where AIDS-related deaths have risen by 48% and 38%, respectively. There are exceptions within these regions showing that when concerted efforts are made, results happen. For example, Algeria has increased HIV treatment access from 24% in 2010 to 76% in 2016, Morocco from 16% in 2010 to 48% in 2016 and Belarus from 29% in 2010 to 45% in 2016.

Globally, progress has been significant, but there is still more work to do. Around 30% of people living with HIV still do not know their HIV status, 17.1 million people living with HIV do not have access to antiretroviral therapy and more than half of all people living with HIV are not virally suppressed.

Eliminating new HIV infections among children

Global solidarity to stop new HIV infections among children has produced results. Around 76% of pregnant women living with HIV had access to antiretroviral medicines in 2016, up from 47% in 2010. New HIV infections among children globally have halved, from 300 000 [230 000–370 000] in 2010 to 160 000 [100 000–220 000] in 2016. Five-high burden countries—Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland and Uganda—have already met the milestone of diagnosing and providing lifelong antiretroviral therapy to 95% of pregnant and breastfeeding women living with HIV.

New HIV infections are declining, but not fast enough

The report also shows that, globally, new HIV infections are declining, but not at the pace needed to meet global targets. Globally, new HIV infections declined by 16% from 2010 to 2016, to 1.8 million [1.6 million–2.1 million]. Declines were estimated in 69 countries, in the majority of which treatment scale-up has been implemented alongside an increase in the availability of combination HIV prevention services and in some countries condom use. However, alarming increases have been seen in new HIV infections in eastern Europe and central Asia.

Tuberculosis

Major gains in the global response to tuberculosis and HIV led to a 33% decline in tuberculosis deaths among people living with HIV. As of 2015, only 11% of the 10.4 million cases of tuberculosis globally were among people living with HIV. However, nearly 60% of tuberculosis cases among people living with HIV were not diagnosed or treated.

Community health workers needed

Ending AIDS shows that providing services closer to where people live and work will be a key factor in ending the AIDS epidemic. UNAIDS is championing an initiative recently backed by the African Union to recruit and train 2 million community health workers in Africa to further bolster the capacity of health systems to deliver health-care services across the region.

“When health services reach the doorsteps, the health of families and communities is transformed,” said Mr Sidibé. “Community health workers will become the backbone of strong and resilient health systems across Africa.”

"I am not alone living with HIV, there are millions of us and we are determined to put an end to AIDS," said Christine Kafando, community health worker and founder of Association Espoir pour Demain. "We have the will to do it and must continue our concerted efforts."

WHAT’S OFF TRACK?

Treatment for children living with HIV

Only 43% of children living with HIV have access to antiretroviral therapy, compared to 54% of adults. Ending AIDS also reveals that as many as two thirds of children under two years old are diagnosed late and start treatment with advanced immunodeficiency, resulting in a high mortality rate for children of this age group. More action is needed to diagnose and treat children living with HIV.

Young people are lagging behind

Young people (15–24 years) are lagging behind on multiple fronts—knowledge of HIV, HIV testing, treatment and prevention. Young people continue to be at great risk of HIV infection, especially young women in sub-Saharan Africa. New HIV infections among young women in sub-Saharan Africa are 44% higher than among young men of their age in the region. Around 610 000 new HIV infections occurred among young people aged 15–24 years; 59% of those new infections occurred among young women age 15–24 years.

In Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe, half of young people do not know their status and more than half do not have access to HIV treatment. Only 36% of young men and 30% of young women in sub-Saharan Africa had a basic knowledge of how to protect themselves from HIV. Population-based HIV Impact Assessments (PHIAs) conducted in Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe, and supported by the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, found that less than 50% of young people living with HIV were aware of their HIV status, compared to 78% of adults aged 35–59 years.

Men not being reached

The report reveals that less than 50% of young men know how to protect themselves from HIV infection, that men are much less likely to know their HIV status or start treatment than women and that less than 50% of men living with HIV are accessing antiretroviral therapy. Many men who are diagnosed with HIV are diagnosed late and start treatment only when they fall ill, making them much more likely to die of AIDS-related illnesses than women. Deaths from AIDS-related illnesses were 27% lower among women than among men.

Key populations

Outside of sub-Saharan Africa, key populations and their sexual partners accounted for 80% of new HIV infections in 2015 and even in sub-Saharan Africa key populations account for 25% of new HIV infections. The report outlines that efforts to reach key populations with integrated HIV services are essential and that a combination approach is needed that includes harm reduction services.

Regions off track

Eastern Europe and central Asia is the only region in the world where new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths are both rising. New HIV infections increased from 120 000 [100 000–130 000] in 2010 to 190 000 [160 000–220 000] in 2016. People who inject drugs accounted for 42% of new HIV infections in the region. In the Russian Federation, newly reported cases of HIV increased by 75% from 2010 to 2016. Several other countries in the region—including Albania, Armenia and Kazakhstan—also have rapidly growing epidemics.

Even though access to HIV treatment in eastern Europe and central Asia has more than doubled in the past six years, still only 28% of people living with HIV have access to antiretroviral therapy, despite two out of three people living with HIV knowing their HIV status. AIDS-related deaths have increased by 38%.

In the Middle East and North Africa, just over half of people living with HIV knew their HIV status, with less than half of those on HIV treatment. Only one out of five people living with HIV was virally suppressed.

UNAIDS has been working with Doctors Without Borders and the African Union on a catch-up plan for western and central Africa, which is lagging far behind the rest of the continent. Only 42% of the 6.1 million people living with HIV in the region knew their HIV status, just 35% were accessing HIV treatment and only one in four people living with HIV were virally suppressed in 2016.

“I would like to reiterate our support for the catch-up plan for western and central Africa, launched by UNAIDS and now joined by partners. The adoption of this plan by the heads of state of the African Union is an essential step for mobilization and the efficient implementation of this plan by the countries in the region.” said Michèle Boccoz, French AIDS Ambassador.

Resources for the AIDS response continue to flatline

Resources for the AIDS response remain flat. At the end of 2016, around US$ 19 billion was available in low- and middle-income countries, with domestic resources accounting for 57% of the global total. An estimated US$ 26 billion will be needed for the global response to HIV by 2020.

“We are maximizing the use of every dollar available, but we are still US$ 7 billion short,” said Mr Sidibé. “With more international assistance, increased domestic funding, innovative financing and effective programming can end the AIDS epidemic by 2030.”

Ending AIDS: progress towards the 90–90–90 targets can be downloaded from unaids.org. UNAIDS is the global leader and repository of AIDS-related programme data. The full data set can be accessed at http://aidsinfo.unaids.org/

UNAIDS

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Board members unanimously approve US$ 484 million budget for 2018–2019

GENEVA, 30 June 2017—UNAIDS’ 40th Programme Coordinating Board meeting has concluded in Geneva, Switzerland. Important decisions were taken on redefining the ways in which the Joint Programme works to deliver results efficiently and effectively and continues to advance global efforts to end the AIDS epidemic as part of the Sustainable Development Goals.

The Board affirmed the UNAIDS Joint Programme Action Plan as a way to progressively move towards a refined operating model. The Action Plan strengthens the coherence and effectiveness of UNAIDS’ support to countries and presents clear results and deliverables on joint working, financing, accountability and governance. The Board members also welcomed the final report of the Global Review Panel on the Future of the UNAIDS Joint Programme Model.

The Executive Director of UNAIDS, Michel Sidibé, presented his report to the Board, which centred around seizing the opportunities of change in order to deliver results. He talked about the importance of understanding a rapidly changing world, threats to global health security and the need to end AIDS by 2030.

“Ending AIDS is our imperative. We must not let the changes happening around us bend our trajectory or slow us down,” said Mr Sidibé. “We need to connect the dots across issues, mandates and organizations in new ways, confront obstacles with innovation and transformation, reinforce the centrality of community engagement, Fast-Track our efforts to reach everyone in need and leave no one behind.”

Mr Sidibé also talked Board members through the programme of reform he has led over the past 12 months to reposition the UNAIDS Secretariat and realign to support countries in a new political and financial environment while continuing to ensure maximum support for the work of the entire Joint Programme.

During the meeting, Mr Sidibé called on the Board to consider gender equality in the governance of UNAIDS. The Board invited all delegations to continue to encourage and support equal representation of women and men in the Board.

UNAIDS has increased the percentage of women in country director positions from 27% in 2013 to 48% in 2017 through the Gender Action Plan, an initiative championed by the Deputy Executive Director, Jan Beagle, who has been appointed as the new United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Management, a position she will take up in July 2017 after eight years with UNAIDS.

The Board approved UNAIDS’ 2018–2019 core budget of US$ 484 million. Attentive to the critical importance of a well-resourced Joint Programme, Secretariat and Cosponsors, the Board also encouraged donor governments to make multiyear contributions and release their contributions towards the 2016–2021 Unified Budget, Results and Accountability Framework (UBRAF) as soon as possible. The Board also urged UNAIDS to continue expanding its donor base and encourage new donors to make contributions towards the full funding of the 2016–2021 UBRAF.

During the meeting, important funding announcements to UNAIDS were made by Germany, which pledged to double its contributions to UNAIDS to €5 million in 2017 and 2018, and by Board Chair Ghana who also announced that Ghana would be doubling its contributions to UNAIDS to US$ 200 000, demonstrating Ghana’s commitment to advancing global efforts to end AIDS.

Ghana also announced that, despite facing persistent challenges, including funding and commodity gaps, it will be adopting the 2015 World Health Organization guidelines to test and offer immediate treatment to all people living with HIV in Ghana as part of efforts to achieve the 90–90–90 targets. Ghana is also stepping up its HIV prevention efforts and has trained more than 150 000 teachers in public schools to integrate HIV education into their lessons and has trained 300 000 children as peer educators across the country.

The Board dedicated the final day to a thematic session on the urgent need to scale up HIV prevention. Participants shared best practices from around the world, identified gaps and opportunities in HIV prevention programming and funding and looked at ways of expanding services to people at higher risk of HIV through scaling up primary HIV prevention programmes at the national and local levels.

Representatives of United Nations Member States, international organizations, civil society and nongovernmental organizations attended the three-day meeting, which was chaired by the Minister of Health of Ghana, Kwaku Agyemang-Manu, with the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland serving as Vice-Chair and Japan as Rapporteur.

At the invitation of the Executive Director, Lorena Castillo de Varela, the First Lady of Panama and UNAIDS Special Ambassador for AIDS in Latin America addressed the board about her work on HIV in Latin America and towards achieving Zero Discrimination globally.  

The Leadership in the AIDS response address was made by the Chair of the Executive Board of UNITAID, Mr Celso Amorim. He emphasized innovation as key to progress on global health.

The UNAIDS Executive Director’s report to the Board and the Board’s decisions can be found at unaids.org

UNAIDS

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

GENEVA, 27 June 2017—The Government of Germany has announced that it will double its funding to UNAIDS in 2017-2018, to €5 million per year. Germany made the announcement at the 40th Meeting of the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board, being held in Geneva, Switzerland.

“With Germany, we have a common goal of ending AIDS and a shared commitment to strengthen health systems and improve the health and well-being of people across the world,” said Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “We warmly welcome Germany’s support and its recognition of the important role that UNAIDS plays in ending AIDS and in broader global health and development efforts.”

“UNAIDS is an important partner for Germany’s health and development agenda, particularly in Africa. Increased investment in UNAIDS and the AIDS response will have a multiplier effect on the wider Sustainable Development Goal agenda,” highlighted Gerd Müller, Federal Minister of Economic Cooperation and Development, Germany.

Germany has prioritized health on the global development agenda and under its current Presidency of the Group of Twenty (G20) held the first ever G20 health ministers meeting in May 2017.

“Ending AIDS is a historic goal and I firmly believe we can reach it. We have to increase our joint efforts and UNAIDS is central to that work,” said Hermann Gröhe, Federal Minister of Health, Germany.

UNAIDS

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Evening hosted by Her Royal Highness Princess Eugenie of York, Caroline Rupert and Ndaba Mandela. Guests paid tribute to the legacy of AIDS activist Dame Elizabeth Taylor and enjoyed star performances by Nico & Vinz and live auction by auctioneer Simon de Pury

BASEL/GENEVA, 13 June 2017—Supporters of UNAIDS attended its annual gala on 12 June, hosted by Her Royal Highness Princess Eugenie of York, Caroline Rupert and Nelson Mandela’s grandson, Ndaba Mandela. Held at Design Miami/Basel on the eve of the Art Basel art festival, the guests pledged their support to the work of UNAIDS in increasing access to HIV prevention and treatment services worldwide.

“We have come a very long way in responding to HIV and millions of lives have been saved, but AIDS is not over. Every hour 125 people die of AIDS and 240 people are newly infected with HIV,” said Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “As Dame Elizabeth Taylor said, we must “win for all humanity”. Leave this gala with her sense of urgency, her compassion and commitment. Because together we can reach our dream of ending AIDS.”

The hosts welcomed around 270 international guests from the worlds of art, design, architecture, fashion, film and music. The gala was made possible by Cartier and the hotel InterContinental Geneva, with the support of Design Miami/.

The evening honoured the legacy of longstanding AIDS activist Dame Elizabeth Taylor, whose grandson Quinn Tivey was present at the gala. A special tribute was held in recognition of Dame Elizabeth’s remarkable contributions to improving the lives of people living with HIV.

The evening began with an exclusive vernissage of Design Miami/Basel, showcasing work from some of the world’s most important collectible designers of the 20th and 21st centuries.

After the reception and preview, Her Royal Highness Princess Eugenie of York and Caroline Rupert welcomed the guests. Auctioneer Simon de Pury then opened a live auction, with lots from designers that included Catherine Opie, Cartier, Dustin Yellin, the Haas Brothers and Pierre Jeanneret.

The gala concluded with a special live musical performance by Nico & Vinz, who entertained guests with new releases as well as popular hits, such as Am I Wrong? DJ Bas Ibellini took to the stage for the after-party to close the evening.

Website and social

www.unaids.org

www.designmiami.com

#AIDSisnotover #UNAIDSgala

Instagram: @unaidsglobal

Facebook: facebook.com/UNAIDS

Twitter: twitter.com/unaids

Media contacts

UNAIDS | Sophie Barton-Knott | tel. +41 22 791 1697 | bartonknotts@unaids.org

Camron PR | Hannah Perry | Hannah.Perry@camronpr.com 

Camron PR | Max Tobias | Max.Tobias@camronpr.com 

UNAIDS

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

InterContinental Geneva Hotel

The hotel opened its doors in 1964 and was renovated by world famous designer Tony Chi. Its legendary discretion and security have made it the confidant and caretaker of many events of international importance. The Residence on the top floor is the highest  and most prestigious Suite in Geneva and offers a breathtaking 360° view of the mountains, the lake, the city and its spectacular setting (1'000 sqm). Lying at the heart of the diplomatic district, the hotel turns into a relaxing destination during the summer, featuring the largest outdoor swimming pool in Geneva. In 2013, the hotel and UNAIDS entered into a public–private partnership inviting guests to “make history” and pledge for an AIDS-free generation. www.geneva-intercontinental.com

Design Miami/

Design Miami/ is the global forum for design. Each fair brings together the most influential collectors, gallerists, designers, curators and critics from around the world in celebration of design culture and commerce. Occurring alongside the Art Basel fairs in Miami, United States of America, each December and Basel, Switzerland, each June, Design Miami/ has become the premier venue for collecting, exhibiting, discussing and creating collectible design.
www.designmiami.com

Cartier

The Cartier Charitable Foundation was established in 2012 to catalyse the Maison Cartier’s philanthropic commitment to improve the livelihoods of the most vulnerable. The foundation focuses on the most excluded and marginalized, in particular women and children living in the world’s least developed regions. Its efforts seek to remove the barriers that prevent people from acting and thriving, enabling them to live a meaningful and fulfilling life in an inclusive, equitable and safe environment. The foundation currently supports 20 partners in 30 developing countries. For additional information, please visit http://www.cartiercharitablefoundation.org/en

Second UNAIDS gala to be hosted by Her Royal Highness Princess Eugenie of York, Caroline Rupert and Ndaba Mandela

Auctioneer Simon de Pury to run the live auction, featuring one-of-a-kind art and design pieces

BASEL/GENEVA, 06 June 2017—UNAIDS, in collaboration with Cartier, the InterContinental Geneva Hotel and Design Miami/, is to host its second fundraising dinner and auction to mark the start of Art Basel and Design Miami/ Basel on Monday, 12 June, in Hall 1 Sud at the Messeplatz. The event aims to raise much needed funds to support UNAIDS’ work in ensuring access to HIV prevention and treatment services worldwide.

There were more than 36 million people living with HIV in 2015. To survive and thrive, everyone living with HIV needs immediate access to treatment, yet only half have access to life-saving medicines and around 40% of people living with HIV don’t even know they have the virus. UNAIDS is working to ensure that people can get tested for HIV and access treatment and care if they test positive.

New HIV infections are still occurring at an alarmingly high rate. Around 2 million people became infected with HIV in 2015. UNAIDS is working hard to reach the populations most affected by HIV and make sure they have the tools to protect themselves against the virus.

THE GALA

The gala will be hosted by Her Royal Highness Princess Eugenie of York, Caroline Rupert and Nelson Mandela’s grandson, Ndaba Mandela, who will welcome international guests from the worlds of art, design, architecture, fashion, film and music.

The evening will honour the legacy of longstanding AIDS activist Dame Elizabeth Taylor, and include a live auction run by Simon de Pury, with rare and one-of a kind art and design lots from the Haas Brothers, Cartier, Catherine Opie, Dustin Yellin and Pierre Jeanneret.

Beginning with the invitation-only vernissage of Design Miami/ Basel, guests will enjoy a private reception and preview, showcasing work from some of the world’s most important collectible design galleries of the 20th and 21st centuries. Other highlights of the gala include a performance by long-time UNAIDS supporters Nico & Vinz, a silent auction and an after-party hosted by DJ Bas Ibellini.

 “We are pleased that the UNAIDS gala will be returning to Art Basel for the second year,” said Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “Last year was a fantastic success and we look forward to using this unique platform to continue our endeavour to make history and end the AIDS epidemic, ensuring that no one is left behind or excluded from life-saving HIV services.”

The event is being generously supported Cartier, the InterContinental Geneva Hotel and Design Miami/. Tickets are available at https://www.universe.com/events/unaids-gala-tickets-5KZTDQ at CHF 750 for an individual ticket, with tables of 10 starting at CHF 7000.

Featured lots include:

1. Catherine Opie— Jewels in Afternoon Light #3 on behalf of the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation
2. Cartier—bespoke Juste un Clou bracelet specifically designed for UNAIDS
3. Dustin Yellin—Procession from Under the Sea sculpture
4. Haas Brothers— Unique Dick Drake Mini Beast unique piece, in Brown Icelandic sheepskin with cast bronze Large Mouth, Large Erect Dong, and Short Pickle Feet
5. Pierre Jeanneret —“Office” Chair
6. John M. Armleder — DORAYAKI N2, Mirror, iridescent blown glass Limited Edition of 5
7. InterContinental — The InterContinental European Experience
8. Sam Orlando Miller — Untitled Mirror 1 (Sky Blue)
9. FOS — Street Lamp

For media information and press registration please contact

Camron PR

Hannah Perry / Hannah.Perry@camronpr.com 

Max Tobias / Max.Tobias@camronpr.com 

Website and social

www.unaids.org

www.designmiami.com

#AIDSisnotover #UNAIDSgala

Instagram: @unaidsglobal 

Facebook: facebook.com/UNAIDS

Twitter: twitter.com/unaids

UNAIDS

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Cartier

The Cartier Charitable Foundation was established in 2012 to catalyse the Maison Cartier’s philanthropic commitment to improve the livelihoods of the most vulnerable. The foundation focuses on the most excluded and marginalized, in particular women and children living in the world’s least developed regions. Its efforts seek to remove the barriers that prevent people from acting and thriving, enabling them to live a meaningful and fulfilling life in an inclusive, equitable and safe environment. The foundation currently supports 20 partners in 30 developing countries. For additional information, please visit http://www.cartiercharitablefoundation.org/en

InterContinental Geneva Hotel

The hotel opened its doors in 1964 and was renovated by world famous designer Tony Chi.

Its legendary discretion and security have made it the confidant and caretaker of many events of international importance. The Residence on the top floor is the highest  and most prestigious Suite in Geneva and offers a breathtaking 360° view of the mountains, the lake, the city and its spectacular setting (1'000 sqm). Lying at the heart of the diplomatic district, the hotel turns into a relaxing destination during the summer, featuring the largest outdoor swimming pool in Geneva. In 2013, the hotel and UNAIDS entered into a public–private partnership inviting guests to “make history” and pledge for an AIDS-free generation. www.geneva-intercontinental.com

Design Miami/

Design Miami/ is the global forum for design. Each fair brings together the most influential collectors, gallerists, designers, curators and critics from around the world in celebration of design culture and commerce. Occurring alongside the Art Basel fairs in Miami, United States of America, each December and Basel, Switzerland, each June, Design Miami/ has become the premier venue for collecting, exhibiting, discussing and creating collectible design. For more information, please visit www.designmiami.com

Production

Josh Wood Productions