Press Release

UNAIDS Executive Director appoints Monica Geingos, First Lady of Namibia, as a UNAIDS Special Advocate

NEW YORK/GENEVA, 22 September 2016—The Executive Director of UNAIDS, Michel Sidibé, has appointed the First Lady of Namibia, Monica Geingos, as UNAIDS Special Advocate for Young Women and Adolescent Girls. She will champion the newly launched Start Free, Stay Free, AIDS Free agenda.

Mr Sidibé met with the First Lady on the sidelines of the 71st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States of America. Madame Geingos will use her position as a UNAIDS Special Advocate to improve the health of adolescent girls and young women.

“I am delighted that Madame Geingos has accepted this position. She will be using her platform to find partners and solutions to some of the difficult health issues facing young women and adolescent girls today, including HIV prevention and sexual and reproductive health, as well as access to education,” said Mr Sidibé. “Young women and adolescent girls around the world have a new champion and we look forward to supporting her work.”

Madame Geingos has spoken out for young women and adolescent girls in Namibia and on the world stage. At the 2016 United Nations High-Level Meeting on Ending AIDS, she was praised for her honest and direct observations on how the world is failing to meet the needs of young women and adolescent girls and on what practical steps are needed to close the critical gaps.

“Young Women and adolescent girls face the conflicting realities of a world that is increasingly recognising gender equality while living in societies that continue to deny them the attainment of this shared right. While I am excited about the encouraging signs to rid the world of its patriarchal cloak, the risks faced by our young women and adolescent girls remain disproportionately and unacceptably high. It is an honour to team up with UNAIDS to work towards a generation that starts free and stays free from AIDS,” said Madame Geingos.

Madame Geingos is a champion of Start Free, Stay Free, AIDS Free, an agenda to put the world on a Super-Fast-Track to end AIDS among children, adolescents and young women by 2020.

START FREE

Eliminate new HIV infections among children (aged 0–14) by reducing the number of children newly infected annually to less than 40 000 by 2018 and 20 000 by 2020. Reach and sustain 95% of pregnant women living with HIV with lifelong HIV treatment by 2018.

 

STAY FREE

Reduce the number of new HIV infections among adolescents and young women (aged 10–24) to less than 100 000 by 2020. Provide voluntary medical circumcision for HIV prevention to 25 million additional men by 2020, with a focus on young men (aged 10–29).

 

AIDS FREE

    Provide 1.6 million children (aged 0–14) and 1.2 million adolescents (aged 15–19) living with HIV with antiretroviral therapy by 2018. Provide 1.4 million children (aged 0–14) and 1 million adolescents (aged 15–19) with HIV treatment by 2020.

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.

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UNAIDS participates in China-Africa Children Summer Camp

Chinese version of award-winning book is launched at the Opening Ceremony.

BEIJING/GENEVA, 29 July 2016—The China-Africa Children Summer Camp opened today under the theme of “Love in the Sunshine”, bringing together 60 young people living with or affected by HIV from China, Ghana, South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Held on the grounds of the Forbidden City, in attendance at the event were the First Lady of China, Peng Liyuan and the First Lady of South Africa, Tobeka Madiba Zuma as well as the Executive Director of UNAIDS, Michel Sidibé and the Director-General of the World Health Organization, Margaret Chan.    

As dragonflies, a symbol of change and self-reliance, flew into the open square, the First Lady of China welcomed the participants saying it was a dream to bring together children affected by HIV she has long championed in China with young people from Africa.

“I am very happy that we can be here together,” said Mrs Peng.

This is the first time that young people from outside China have participated in the summer camp happening on the side lines of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

“We want all children to grow to their full potential and realize their dreams, said Mrs Zuma. “This summer camp offers our children a rare opportunity to visit this beautiful country and to share experiences to inspire and strengthen one another.”

Mr Sidibé brought 16-year-old Julia from Ghana with him up to the stage.

“This is an opportunity to say thank you to all of you for your bravery and let you know that we love you and believe in you,” said Mr Sidibé.

At the ceremony and in partnership with the Chinese media organization, Xinhua News Agency, UNAIDS released a Chinese language version of an award-winning book on HIV for children. The Chinese version of The Bravest Boy I Know was given to participants attending the China-Africa Children Summer Camp in Beijing. The book will become an important teaching aid in schools across China to help children understand the issues surrounding HIV and reduce stigma and discrimination faced by children affected by the virus.

The book is the touching story of two friends, Xiao Ming and Xiao Li and their adventures together. Xiao Ming is living with HIV. The story is illustrated by the renowned artist Sujean Rim. It is the heart-warming tale of facing HIV in a positive way. The original version of the book takes place in Africa and has been distributed widely through the Thank You Small Library system in Africa. 

“This book is a valuable tool to help parents, teachers and carers explain the complex and emotional issues surrounding HIV to children in their care,” added Mr Sidibé. “Every child deserves to feel protected and loved and to experience a childhood free of stigma and discrimination and every child living with HIV must have access to treatment.”    

In 2015, of the 1.8 million children under 15 years of age estimated to be living with HIV worldwide, only half had access to antiretroviral medicines to keep them alive and well. There were 150 000 new HIV infections among children aged 15 and under in 2015.          

The Bravest Boy I Know is also available in English, French and Portuguese and is released together with a factsheet on children and HIV and a discussion guide for teachers and carers.  In September 2015, the book won first prize in the Popular Medicine category of the British Medical Association.

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.

Press Release

President of Xinhua News Agency receives UNAIDS Leaders and Innovators award

UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé has presented the President of Xinhua News Agency, Cai Mingzhao with the UNAIDS Leaders and Innovators Award in recognition of his leadership as a media partner and his contribution to the AIDS response

BEIJING, 28 July 2016—In recognition of the key role that media plays in the Fast-Track response to ending the AIDS epidemic, Cai Mingzhao, the President of Xinhua News Agency, has been presented with the UNAIDS Leaders and Innovators Award at an event held during a joint cooperation visit to Xinhua headquarters in Beijing, China.

The award recognizes Mr Cai’s efforts towards reaching the globally shared vision of Zero new HIV infections, Zero discrimination and Zero AIDS-related deaths. 

“Mr Cai is a leader with vision. He understands that the three zeros are not just about the numbers but about social justice and inclusion," said the Executive Director of UNAIDS, Michel Sidibé. “AIDS is not over in any part of the world and Mr Cai’s leadership is helping to ensure that HIV remains at the forefront of public awareness so that no one is left behind.”

With Mr Cai at the helm of Xinhua, the media news group has promoted public awareness of HIV in China and abroad. During the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting on Ending AIDS in June 2016, Xinhua showcased UNAIDS “Fast-Track to an AIDS-Free Generation” message on a giant electronic screen in Times Square, New York. In addition, the group is working with UNAIDS to promote zero discrimination messages through social media and other platforms. 

“We understand that the fight against AIDS requires concerted efforts from the whole of society — especially the media.” said Mr Cai. “We have a key role to play to ending AIDS." 

UNAIDS recognizes the unique role of the media in the global effort to end the AIDS epidemic. Media is able to reach billions of people with important life-saving messages and to encourage engagement and action. With more than 30 domestic branches and nearly 170 offices overseas, Xinhua is one of the largest news agencies in the world.

The Vice-Minister of Information at the Office of the State Council, Guo Weimin, underlined the importance of Xinhua’s contribution. "Xinhua News Agency is an active supporter of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and promotes efforts to involve more people in achieving these aims."

The Vice-Minister of the National Health and Family Planning Committee, Cui Li said, "The cooperation between Xinhua News and UNAIDS is a good example of multi-sector participation and cooperation in advancing the AIDS response."  

In March 2016, UNAIDS and Xinhua signed a two-year Memorandum of Understanding of Strategic Cooperation to find innovative solutions to end the AIDS epidemic as a public health threat by 2030 within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals. 

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.

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UNAIDS Geneva
Michael Hollingdale
tel. +41 22 791 5534
hollingdalem@unaids.org

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Ten organizations receive Red Ribbon Award for outstanding community leadership on AIDS

DURBAN, 19 July 2016—Ten exceptional community-based organizations have won the 2016 Red Ribbon Award for their inspiring work towards ending or reducing the impact of the AIDS epidemic. They were presented with the prize in a special session at the 21st International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2016) in Durban, South Africa.

“Across regions and cultures, communities are showing the world that ending AIDS is possible. Their courage, innovation and leadership is helping us overcome barriers and better respond to the needs of those most affected by the epidemic.” said UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibe.

The 2016 winning organizations are from Burundi, Mexico, Belize, Kenya, Nigeria, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Nepal, Chile, and New Zealand. Almost 1,000 nominations were received from more than 120 countries, for the Award, which is hosted by UNAIDS in partnership with AIDS 2016, the Global Network of People Living with HIV, the International Community of Women Living with HIV/AIDS, the International Council of AIDS Service Organizations and Irish Aid. A global panel of civil society representatives selected the finalists from a shortlist determined by regional panels.

Each of the winning organizations will receive a US$ 10,000 grant and have been invited to participate in AIDS 2016, where they organize the Community Dialogue Space in the Global Village.

At the Red Ribbon Award special session, the winners were congratulated by Her Royal Highness, Princess Mabel van Oranje of the Netherlands; Her Royal Highness, Princess Tessy of Luxembourg;  Minister of Health and Child Welfare of Zimbabwe, David Parirenyatwa; Former President of Fiji H.E. Epeli Nailatikau, and Jan Beagle, Deputy Executive Director, UNAIDS.

“Community-based organizations are taking the lead in shaping the course of the AIDS response. The organizations here today - recipients of the 2016 Red Ribbon Award - are examples to us all of what it truly means to fast track the AIDS response, and to do so in a way which is inclusive, and that advances human rights and gender equality”, Jan Beagle, Deputy Executive Director, UNAIDS

The Red Ribbon Award was first presented in 2006 and since then has been awarded every two years at the International AIDS Conference. This year there were five award categories.

 

Category one: Good Health & Wellbeing (SDG 3)

Réseau National des Jeunes vivants avec le VIH/SIDA

Colectivo Seres, A.C. 

C-Net+

 

Category two: Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10)

Kenya Sex Worker’s Alliance

Positive Action for Treatment Access (PATA)

 

Category three: Gender Equality (SDG 5)

Tehran Positive Club

Chitwan Sakriya Women’s Foundation

 

Category four: Just, Peaceful, & Inclusive Societies (SDG 16)

YouthRISE

Red Nacional de Pueblos Originarios en Respuesta al SIDA

 

Category five: Global Partnerships (SDG 17)

INA Foundation

 

About the Sponsors

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.

 

UN partners
The UN partners involved in the Red Ribbon Award initiative bring together the efforts and resources of all UNAIDS Cosponsors and the UNAIDS Secretariat.

AIDS 2016
The XXI International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2016) is the premier gathering for those working in the field of HIV, as well as policy makers, persons living with HIV and other individuals committed to ending the pandemic. It is a chance for stakeholders to take stock of where the epidemic is, evaluate recent scientific developments and lessons learnt, and collectively chart a course forward. AIDS 2016 will be held in Durban, South Africa from 18 to 22 July 2016. (www.aids2016.org). The International AIDS Society is the convener and custodian of the conference.

Global Network of People Living with HIV
GNP+ is the global network for and by people living with HIV. GNP+ advocates to improve the quality of life of people living with HIV. Driven by the needs of people living with HIV worldwide, GNP+ supports people living with HIV through their organizations and networks. GNP+ works to ensure equitable access to health and social services, by focusing on social justice, rights and more meaningful involvement of people living with HIV in programme and policy development – the GIPA principle. (www.gnpplus.net)

International Community of Women Living with HIV/AIDS
ICW Global emerged to look for answers facing the desperate lack of support, information and services available for women living with HIV. The organization promotes the leadership and involvement of women living with HIV in spaces where policies and programmes are developed and implemented and where the decisions that affect the life of thousands of people who live with the virus are made. The vision is for a just world where women living with HIV are leaders in HIV programmes and policy and realize their universal rights. They dream of a world where women, young women, girls, adolescents living with HIV have full access to care and treatment and enjoy all of their rights: sexual, reproductive, legal, economic and health, regardless of culture, age, religion, sexuality, race or socio-economic status. (www.icwglobal.org)

International Council of AIDS Service Organizations
Founded in 1991, the International Council of AIDS Service Organizations’ (ICASO) mission is to mobilize and support diverse community organizations to build an effective global response to end AIDS. This is done within a vision of a world where people living with and affected by HIV can enjoy life free from stigma, discrimination, and persecution, and have access to prevention, treatment and care. The ICASO network operates globally, regionally and locally, and reaches over 100 countries internationally. (www.icaso.org)

Irish Aid
Irish Aid is the Government of Ireland's programme of assistance to developing countries. Its aid philosophy is rooted in Ireland's foreign policy, in particular its objectives of peace and justice. The international development policy "One World, One Future" reflects Ireland's longstanding commitment to human rights and fairness in international relations and is inseparable from Irish foreign policy as a whole. The Irish Aid programme has as its absolute priority the reduction of poverty, inequality and exclusion in developing countries, with a strong geographic focus on Sub-Saharan Africa. Improving access to quality essential social services such as health, education, services related to HIV and AIDS, and social protection is seen as key to the realisation of human rights, the reduction of poverty, hunger and inequality and the promotion of inclusive economic growth. (http://www.irishaid.gov.ie)

About the Red Ribbon Award
The red ribbon is a global symbol in the movement to address AIDS. The Red Ribbon Award, presented every two years at the International AIDS Conference, is designed to honor and celebrate community based organizations for their outstanding initiatives that show leadership in reducing the spread and impact of AIDS. The award is a joint effort of the UNAIDS family and as such, this year it will place particular emphasis on the organization's newly approved global priority areas of action.

The Red Ribbon Award was first given in 2006 and has recognized 85 organizations from over 50 different countries since then as leading community-based responses to AIDS. Such organizations lie at the heart of the response to the AIDS epidemic – displaying extraordinary courage, resilience and strength in addressing one of the greatest challenges of our time. Using creative and sustainable ways to promote prevention of sexual transmission, and prevention among people who use drugs, provide treatment, care, and support to people living with HIV and demonstrating innovation in the face of stigma and discrimination through advocacy and human rights, and stopping new HIV infections in children and keeping mothers alive, and taking care of women’s health, these examples of community leadership are showing us in practical terms how to reverse a global epidemic – one community at a time.

Contact

UNAIDS
Alasdair Reid
tel. +41 79 594 1923
reida@unaids.org

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Kaiser/UNAIDS Study Finds Donor Government Funding for HIV Fell in 2015 for First Time in 5 Years

Funding declined from a majority of donor governments assessed, including the U.S.

Donor government funding to support HIV efforts in low- and middle-income countries fell for the first time in five years in 2015, decreasing from US$8.6 billion in 2014 to US$7.5 billion, finds a new report from the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) released in advance of the 2016 International AIDS Conference.

Funding for HIV declined for 13 of 14 donor governments assessed in the analysis, in part due to the significant appreciation of the U.S. dollar that resulted in the depreciation of most other donor currencies. Yet even after accounting for this, funding declined for the majority of governments assessed.

Total funding from the U.S. government fell from US$5.6 billion to US$5 billion, but this was mostly due to a timing issue as the U.S. shifted bilateral funds to 2016 while it implements new and expands existing programs. Without counting the US$411 million reduction in bilateral U.S. funding, most of which is expected to be provided in 2016, total funding declined overall by 8 percent.

“The decline in international funding for the HIV response is worrying,” said Luiz Loures, UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director. “Countries still need urgent support over the next few years to Fast-Track their responses to HIV, enabling them to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030 and save millions of lives. Diverting resources from the HIV response now will mean much greater human and financial costs over the long-term.”

The U.S. continued to provide the lion’s share of total funding (bilateral and multilateral) provided by donor governments (66.4%), followed by the U.K. (13%). France provided 3.7 percent of funding, Germany provided 2.7 percent, and the Netherlands provided 2.3 percent.

“2015 marked a drop in donor funding for HIV,” said Kaiser Family Foundation Vice President Jen Kates, Director of Global Health and HIV Policy. “Donors faced many competing funding demands, including humanitarian emergencies and the refugee crisis, all against a backdrop of fiscal austerity in a number of countries. Looking ahead, donor funding for HIV remains uncertain as leading donors face changes in political leadership and the world is still digesting the effects of Brexit.”

The new report, produced as a partnership between the Kaiser Family Foundation and UNAIDS, provides the latest data available on donor funding disbursements 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.

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 FacebookTwitter,Instagram and Youtube.

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

Contact

UNAIDS Geneva
Michael Hollingdale
tel. +41 22 791 5534
hollingdalem@unaids.org
Kaiser Family Foundation
Katie Smith
tel. +1 202 654-1439
ksmith@kff.org

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UNAIDS warns that after significant reductions, declines in new HIV infections among adults have stalled and are rising in some regions

Globally, new HIV infections among adults and children were reduced by 40% since the peak in 1997. However, new analysis from UNAIDS shows that new HIV infections among adults have stalled, failing to decline for at least five years. The report outlines what is needed to step up prevention efforts

GENEVA, 12 July 2016—A new report by UNAIDS reveals concerning trends in new HIV infections among adults. The Prevention gap report shows that while significant progress is being made in stopping new HIV infections among children (new HIV infections have declined by more than 70% among children since 2001 and are continuing to decline), the decline in new HIV infections among adults has stalled. The report shows that HIV prevention urgently needs to be scaled up among this age group.

HIV prevention gap among adults  

The Prevention gap report shows that an estimated 1.9 million adults have become infected with HIV every year for at least the past five years and that new HIV infections among adults are rising in some regions. The Prevention gap report gives the clear message that HIV prevention efforts need to be increased in order to stay on the Fast-Track to ending AIDS by 2030.

  • Eastern Europe and central Asia saw a 57% increase in annual new HIV infections between 2010 and 2015.
  • After years of steady decline, the Caribbean saw an 9% rise in annual new HIV infections among adults between 2010 and 2015.
  • In the Middle East and North Africa, annual new HIV infections increased by 4% between 2010 and 2015. 
  • There have been no significant declines in any other regions of the world.
    • In Latin America the annual number of new adult HIV infections increased by 2% since 2010; New HIV infections declined marginally in western and central Europe and North America and in western and central Africa since 2010; New HIV infections among adults declined by 4% in eastern and southern Africa since 2010, and by 3% in Asia and the Pacific since 2010.

“We are sounding the alarm,” said Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “The power of prevention is not being realized. If there is a resurgence in new HIV infections now, the epidemic will become impossible to control. The world needs to take urgent and immediate action to close the prevention gap.”

The AIDS epidemic has had a huge impact over the past 35 years. Since the start of the epidemic, 35 million people have died from AIDS-related illnesses and an estimated 78 million people have become infected with HIV.

Equity and access for key populations

In 2014, key populations, including gay men and other men who have sex with men, sex workers and their clients, transgender people, people who inject drugs and prisoners, accounted for 35% of new HIV infections globally. It is estimated that men who have sex with men are 24 times more likely to become infected with HIV than the general population, while sex workers are 10 times more likely and people who inject drugs are 24 times more likely to become infected than the general population. In addition, transgender people are 49 times more likely to be living with HIV and prisoners are five times more likely to be living with HIV than adults in the general population

It is essential for key populations to have access to the full range of HIV prevention options in order to protect themselves and their sexual partners from HIV. “Today, we have multiple prevention options,” said Mr Sidibé. “The issue is access—if people do not feel safe or have the means to access combination HIV prevention services we will not end this epidemic.”

Prevention dividend from HIV treatment still to be realized

The report highlights that the major hopes for antiretroviral therapy to have an impact on preventing new HIV infections are starting to be realized, although the full benefits may not be seen for some years.

The Prevention gap report estimates that over half of all people living with HIV, 57%, now know their HIV status, that 46% of all people living with HIV have access to antiretroviral treatment and that 38% of all people living with HIV have viral suppression, keeping them healthy and preventing onward transmission of the virus. This underscores the urgent need for the UNAIDS 90–90–90 targets to be met to realize the full potential of antiretroviral therapy. The 90–90–90 targets are 90% of people knowing their HIV status, 90% of people who know their status accessing antiretroviral treatment and 90% of people on treatment having suppressed viral loads.  

HIV prevention funding gap

The reports of rising numbers of new HIV infections are coming as data reveal donor funding has declined to its lowest levels since 2010. International donor contributions dropped from a peak of US$ 9.7 billion in 2013 to US$ 8.1 billion in 2015. Low- and middle-income countries are stepping up to fill the gap, with domestic resources accounting for 57% of the US$ 19.2 billion total funding in 2015.

The report notes that although international funding, the main source of funding for HIV prevention for people at higher risk of HIV, has reduced, some major donors are making bold commitments to ensure that funding reaches the people most affected by HIV. In June 2016, the United States of America announced the launch of a new US$ 100 million Key Populations Investment Fund to increase access to HIV services for key populations.

The current allocation of resources for HIV prevention is falling far short of what is needed. Currently, 20% of global resources for HIV are being spent on HIV prevention. The report indicates that to have maximum impact funding should focus on the location and population approach in order to reach people at higher risk with combination prevention options where they live and work.

Regional HIV prevention gaps

The report details the trajectory of new HIV infections and looks at which populations and which locations are most affected. It also outlines where countries need to make more tailored HIV prevention investments.

In eastern and southern Africa, for example, three quarters of all new HIV infections among adolescents aged 10–19 years are among adolescent girls. Adolescent girls are often prevented from accessing HIV services owing to gender inequality, a lack of age-appropriate HIV services, stigma, a lack of decision-making power and gender-based violence. In 2014, only 57% of countries globally (of 104 countries reporting) had an HIV strategy that included a specific budget for women. It is estimated that worldwide only three in 10 adolescent girls and young women between the ages of 15 and 24 years have comprehensive and correct knowledge about HIV. Reaching adolescent girls and young women, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, will be a key factor in ending the AIDS epidemic.

In eastern Europe and central Asia, 51% of new HIV infections occur among people who inject drugs. More than 80% of the region’s new HIV infections in 2015 were in the Russian Federation. The epidemic is concentrated predominantly among key populations and their sexual partners, in particular people who inject drugs, who accounted for more than half of new HIV infections in 2015. However there is very low coverage of prevention programmes, in particular harm-reduction interventions among people who inject drugs.

In the Middle East and North Africa, 96% of new HIV infections occur among key populations, predominantly among people who inject drugs, men who have sex with men and female sex workers and their sexual partners. However, prevention programmes for men who have sex with men and sex workers rarely receive support from domestic resources or through public services.

In western and central Europe and North America, around half of all new HIV infections occur among gay men and other men who have sex with men and while a significant proportion of resources are being invested for this key population group, prevention efforts are failing to have an impact. Between 2010 and 2014, new HIV diagnoses among men who have sex with men increased by 17% in western and central Europe, and by 8% in North America.

The report shows the complexity of the AIDS epidemic and how the populations and locations most affected change dramatically across each country and region. It also shows that investments need to be made in effective HIV programmes that are proven to make a significant difference in reducing the number of new HIV infections.

Combination HIV prevention, gaps and opportunities

Compared to 20 years ago when HIV prevention options were limited, there is now a range of options available to suit people’s needs throughout their lives to ensure that they can protect themselves from HIV.

UNAIDS urges countries to take a location and population approach to HIV programming efforts following five prevention pillars, to be delivered comprehensively and in combination:

  • Programmes for young women and adolescent girls and their male partners in high-prevalence locations.
  • Key population services in all countries.
  • Strengthened national condom programmes.
  • Voluntary medical male circumcision in priority countries.
  • PrEP for population groups at higher risk of HIV infection.

Closing the HIV prevention gap

“Science, innovation and research have provided new and effective HIV prevention options, rapid diagnostics and improved treatment for HIV,” said Mr Sidibé. “Investing in innovation is the only way to secure the next big breakthrough—a cure or a vaccine.”   

The data in the report, collected from more than 160 countries, demonstrate that enormous gains can be achieved when concerted efforts are made. It outlines that by 2015 some 17 million people had access to antiretroviral therapy, double the number in 2010 and 22 times the number in 2000.

UNAIDS will be calling on implementers, innovators, communities, scientists, donors and others at the 2016 International AIDS Conference, taking place from 18 to 22 July, in Durban, South Africa, to close the prevention gap. 

 

Global summary of the AIDS epidemic in 2015 

Number of people living with HIV

Total

36.7 million [34.0 million–39.8 million]

Adults

34.9 million [32.4 million–37.9 million]

Women

17.8 million [16.4 million–19.4 million]

Children (<15 years)

1.8 million [1.5 million–2.0 million]

Number of people newly infected with HIV 

Total

2.1 million [1.8 million–2.4 million]

Adults

1.9 million [1.7 million–2.2 million]

Children (<15 years)

150 000 [110 000–190 000]

AIDS-related deaths

Total

1.1 million [940 000–1.3 million]

Adults

1.0 million [840 000–1.2 million]

Children (<15 years)

110 000 [84 000–130 000]

Number of people on HIV treatment

Total

17 million

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.

Contact

UNAIDS
Sophie Barton-Knott
tel. +41 22 791 1697 / +41 79 514 6896
bartonknotts@unaids.org

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UNAIDS names Swiss tennis player Timea Bacsinszky as Global Advocate for Young People

GENEVA/GSTAAD, 11 July 2016—UNAIDS has appointed Swiss tennis player Timea Bacsinszky as a Global Advocate for Young People. The announcement was made during the Women’s Tennis Association Ladies Championship Gstaad, taking place in Gstaad, Switzerland, from 9 to 17 July.

In her new role, Ms Bacsinszky will work to ensure that young people have access to the information and services needed to protect themselves from becoming infected with HIV and will encourage young people to get tested for the virus and seek immediate treatment if necessary to keep them alive and well.

“My generation has never known a world without HIV, but we have the power to change this for future generations,” said Ms Bacsinszky. “Ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 will require commitment and perseverance to get the job done and this will only happen if we break down the stigma that still surrounds HIV.”

Ms Bacsinszky is supporting the UNAIDS #ProTESTHIV campaign, which encourages young people to become actively involved in promoting HIV testing and linkage to care and treatment services. People can find more information at protesthiv.org.

“Timea Bacsinszky’s energy and dedication on the tennis court are very clear,” said Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “These are valuable qualities that will help to mobilize young people to join the global movement in response to HIV and become the generation to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030.”

There are 36.7 million people living with HIV globally, 3.9 million of whom are young people aged 15 to 24. Young people are especially vulnerable to HIV infection. In 2015, there were an estimated 670 000 new HIV infections worldwide among young people aged 15 to 24, with young women accounting for 58% of new infections among this age group.

UNAIDS is the main charitable beneficiary of the Women’s Tennis Association Ladies Championship Gstaad in 2016.

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.

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UNAIDS
Michael Hollingdale
tel. +41 22 791 5534
hollingdalem@unaids.org

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UNAIDS Board underlines the need for accelerated action and increased investment to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030

GENEVA, 1 July 2016—At its 38th meeting, the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board has stressed the need for accelerated action, increased investment, intensified partnerships and innovation in community-led service delivery to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030.

The meeting took place just weeks after the adoption by United Nations Member States of a new Political Declaration on Ending AIDS, which called on countries to Fast-Track their response to HIV over the coming years to reach a set of measurable targets by 2020. Achieving these targets is critical to putting the world on course to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

In his opening address, the Executive Director of UNAIDS, Michel Sidibé, described the Political Declaration agreed in New York as bold, ambitious, forward-looking and balanced. He said success in reaching the Political Declaration’s targets required an inclusive approach that left no one behind, respect for everyone’s right to access quality sexual and reproductive health and rights, innovative and appropriate implementation of programmes and services to meet the needs of variously affected regions and key populations and increased and front-loaded investments for the AIDS response.

“The commitment to ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 must be underpinned by the full respect for people’s human rights, including their access to quality sexual and reproductive health and rights,” said Mr Sidibé. “The involvement of people living with and affected by the epidemic is essential in implementing an effective and fully funded response rooted in the community and in ensuring a strong interface between service providers and people most affected by HIV.”

The Board also approved a revised Unified Budget, Results and Accountability Framework (UBRAF) for 2016–2021 and emphasized the importance of the Joint Programme in translating the UNAIDS 2016–2021 Strategy into action at the national, regional and global levels. However, there remains a shortfall of 30% in 2016 between funding commitments made to date and the resources required to fully implement the Strategy in support of people living with or affected by HIV. The Board encouraged donor governments to make multi-year contributions towards the 2016–2021 UBRAF and urged UNAIDS to continue expanding its donor base. During the meeting, the United States of America announced it intended to extend its agreement with UNAIDS for an additional five years, and as part of this extension, intended to further its funding collaboration with UNAIDS.

During the dedicated thematic day, the Board further explored the key role of communities in ending AIDS by 2030, with governments urged to leverage the skills, knowledge and experience of civil society to maximize impact. There was broad consensus that there would be no end to the AIDS epidemic by 2030 without sustained and intensified investment in community-led responses to the epidemic in regions and among groups of people most affected, including sex workers, gay men and other men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, transgender people and prisoners.

Representatives of Member States, international organizations, civil society and nongovernmental organizations attended the meeting, which was chaired by Switzerland. Ghana served as Vice-Chair and Ecuador as Rapporteur.

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.

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UNAIDS presents Kofi Annan with prestigious Award for Leadership

Former United Nations Secretary-General recognized for his outstanding and remarkable contributions to the AIDS response

GENEVA, 13 June 2016—UNAIDS has honoured former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan with the UNAIDS Award for Leadership in recognition of the outstanding and remarkable contributions he has made to the global response to HIV. Mr Annan was presented with the award by the Executive Director of UNAIDS, Michel Sidibé, at the 2016 UNAIDS fundraising gala, held in Basel, Switzerland.

“On behalf of UNAIDS I would like to recognize all you have done and continue to do to restore the dignity and improve the lives of people around the world,” said Mr Sidibé. “You have helped to build a fairer, more peaceful world.”

When Mr Annan began his tenure as the new United Nations Secretary-General in 1997, the outlook for the AIDS epidemic was bleak. Some 23.9 million [21.7 million–26.6 million] people were living with HIV, there were 3.5 million [3.2 million–3.8 million] new HIV infections and 1.1 million [890 000–1.3 million] AIDS-related deaths, and access to life-saving treatment was only available to a privileged few.

The response that ensued changed the course of history. Under his leadership, in 2000 the United Nations Security Council adopted resolution 1308, identifying AIDS as a threat to global security. In 2001, Mr Annan held the first United Nations General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS and called for a global fund and “war chest” to respond to HIV and other infectious diseases. His call led to the creation of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, which today is supporting 8.6 million of the 17 million people who are accessing antiretroviral treatment.  

Mr Annan’s efforts to improve the lives of people living with and affected by HIV have been instrumental in driving down the numbers of new HIV infections, which have declined by 40%, and in increasing the number of people on treatment from just a few thousand to more than 17 million in 2015. However, less than half of all people in need of treatment have access and new HIV infections are increasing in some parts of the world.   

“Today we see tremendous progress, but the fight is not over,” said Mr Annan. “We must continue the struggle and wake up each morning ready to fight and fight again, until we win.”

2016 UNAIDS LEADERSHIP AWARD

The UNAIDS Award for Leadership recognizes a person or an organization that has made a major and lasting contribution to restoring dignity and improving people’s lives. UNAIDS recognizes the key role leadership plays in creating an environment for positive social change and accelerating progress in the AIDS response and beyond.

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.

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

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UNAIDS gala honours former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan and raises more than US$ 1 million for UNAIDS

Held for the first time during Art Basel week, the evening at Design Miami/Basel featured reading by Keanu Reeves and Alexandra Grant and live music by Duran Duran

BASEL/GENEVA, 15 June 2016—Supporters of UNAIDS attended its annual fundraising gala on 13 June. Held at Design Miami/Basel on the eve of the Art Basel art festival, the gala raised more than US$ 1 million to support the work of UNAIDS to increase access to HIV prevention and treatment services worldwide, particularly for women and children.

The evening was held in honour of former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who was presented with the UNAIDS Award for Leadership in recognition of his outstanding and remarkable contributions made to the global response to HIV.

“On behalf of UNAIDS, I would like to thank the former United Nations Secretary-General for all he has done and continues to do to restore the dignity and improve the lives of people everywhere,” said Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “We shall endeavour to continue to make history and achieve an AIDS-free generation by ensuring that no one is left behind or excluded from life-saving HIV services.”

The gala was hosted by Her Royal Highness Princess Eugenie of York, Caroline Rupert and two of Nelson Mandela’s grandsons, Kweku and Ndaba, who welcomed more than 600 international guests from the worlds of art, design, architecture, fashion, film and music.

Red carpet arrivals of celebrities, fashion icons and renowned art and cultural influencers included Alexandra Grant, Peter Brant, Duran Duran, Vera Brezhneva, Keanu Reeves, Dustin Yellin, Thabo Sefolosha, Goga Ashkenazi and many more. The gala was sponsored by Cartier and the Hotel InterContinental Geneva, with the support of Design Miami, and was produced by Josh Wood Productions.

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 guests and introduced the theme of the evening. The dinner included a reading of “Shadows” by Keanu Reeves and Alexandra Grant. Auctioneer Simon de Pury opened a live auction, with lots from designers that included Alaia, Cartier, Daniel Libeskind and Humberto and Fernando Campana.

The gala concluded with a special live musical performance by Duran Duran, who entertained guests with their signature sounds and famous hits. DJ Bas Ibellini took to the stage for the after-party to close the evening. 

 

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.

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Blue Medium
Mathilde Campergue
tel. +1 212 675 1800
Mathilde@bluemedium.com
Blue Medium
Michael Lawrence
tel. +1 212 675 1800
Michael@bluemedium.com

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