GENEVA, 10 December 2012—On the occasion of Human Rights Day, there is evidence that global solidarity and shared responsibility are expanding people’s right to health across the world. More than half the people in need of antiretroviral treatment are now receiving it, far fewer people are dying from AIDS-related illnesses, 25 countries have reduced new HIV infections by more than 50% and new HIV treatment and prevention science promise yet more results.

But AIDS is far from over and there are still major challenges to reaching people with life-saving HIV services. People living with HIV have fought for and gained impressive recognition of their right to non-discrimination. However zero discrimination in the response to HIV is far from being achieved. HIV-related discrimination continues to impact the lives of many people living with HIV, and still prevents millions of people from coming forward to test for HIV and access prevention and treatment services.

Effective programmes and protective laws can overcome discrimination and marginalization in the context of HIV. But many of the people most affected by the epidemic remain marginalized and criminalized––sex workers, people who use drugs, men who have sex with men and transgender people. They are unable to benefit from their rights to health, non-discrimination and freedom from violence.  As the world strives to achieve zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths, efforts must be doubled to realize the rights of all people affected by HIV. 

This International Human Rights Day is dedicated to the principle of inclusion and the right to participate in public life. We need to work to ensure that all members of society have the opportunity to fully realize their rights to health, dignity and security in a world with HIV.

Key elements to ensuring a rights-based approach to HIV include:

• Strong and supportive links to care and treatment must be included in HIV testing programmes;
• Efforts to expand treatment must ensure access to the right medicines at the right time, including second line medicines that in many places remain prohibitively expensive;
• Health systems need to be strengthened to become places of care and support, not denial and discrimination;
• Communities and civil society also need to be strengthened and resourced to work in synergy with health services;
• A wide range of HIV prevention services must be made available, especially to young people who are often denied their rights to information and services about HIV and sexuality;
• Women living with HIV must be able to fully exercise their reproductive and sexual health rights;
• And punitive laws must be replaced by protective ones.

GENEVA, 15 November 2012––The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) congratulates Mark Dybul on his appointment as Executive Director of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (Global Fund).

“Mark inspires confidence,” said Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “I fully trust that he will lead the Global Fund to new heights by strengthening partnerships and delivering results on the ground. His appointment marks a new era for the Global Fund and UNAIDS is looking forward to a strong and dynamic collaboration in the coming years.”

Dr Dybul served as the United States Global AIDS Coordinator, leading the implementation of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief during the presidency of George W. Bush.  He is a distinguished scholar and currently serves as Co-Director of the Global Health Law Programme at Georgetown's O'Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law, and Senior Advisor to the President at Georgetown University.

Throughout his career, Dr Dybul has worked closely with UNAIDS serving as Vice-Chair and later Chair of UNAIDS’ Programme Coordinating Board. He has received numerous awards and honours for his work in public health and infectious diseases.

As Executive Director of the Global Fund, Dr Dybul will lead its work in attracting, managing and disbursing additional resources to strengthen the global response to HIV, tuberculosis and malaria. UNAIDS looks forward to working with countries as the Global Fund transitions to a new Funding Model that focuses on country ownership and making strategic investments.

WASHINGTON, DC/GENEVA, 20 July 2012—The United Nations has announced the appointment of Michel Kazatchkine as the Secretary-General’s new Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, one of only two regions in the world where HIV is continuing to grow.

In 2011, there were 1.5 million people living with HIV in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and 170 000 people were newly infected with the virus. New infections have risen by more than 22% in the region since 2005 and there is no sign that the epidemics are slowing down.

“Eastern Europe and Central Asia are still facing huge challenges in responding to HIV,” said Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). “With his experience and leadership I am convinced that Mr Kazatchkine will do an excellent job in helping to reverse the epidemic in this pivotal region.”

Michel Kazatchkine is an internationally recognized physician who has devoted thirty years of his professional life to the AIDS response. From 2007 to 2012 he served as the Executive Director of the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and from 1998 to 2005 he was Director of the French National Agency for AIDS Research.  Between 2005 and 2007 he served as France's Global Ambassador for HIV and Communicable Diseases.

“I am committed to encouraging countries in this region to turn the tide of the epidemic and save millions of lives”, said Mr Kazatchkine. “Together with UNAIDS, I will advocate for an urgent mobilization to respond to the HIV epidemic in Eastern Europe and Central Asia”

As Special Envoy on HIV/AIDS, Mr. Kazatchkine will advocate at the highest levels for the implementation of the 2011 Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS and its targets.

AU and NEPAD Agency take the lead in transforming the face of health responses in Africa

ADDIS ABABA, 16 July 2012—A roadmap adopted today by African Heads of State and Government charts a new course for the continent’s responses to AIDS, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria. Developed by the African Union Commission (AUC) and the NEPAD Planning and Coordinating Agency (NEPAD Agency), with support from UNAIDS, the Roadmap on Shared Responsibility and Global Solidarity was endorsed at the 19th Summit of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

“This Roadmap provides a major step forward in our responses to AIDS, TB and malaria,” said Dr Thomas Yayi Boni, Chairperson of African Union and President of Benin. “Through it, we will pursue African solutions reflecting our continent’s dynamism and potential—like local pharmaceutical production. Together we will invest in the future.”  

Structured around three strategic pillars—health governance, diversified financing and access to medicines—the Roadmap offers a set of practical and African-owned solutions to enhance sustainable responses to AIDS, TB and malaria. It defines goals, expected results, roles and responsibilities to hold stakeholders accountable over a three-year time frame, through 2015.

“This Roadmap will act as a driving force for Africa-owned solutions,” said Dr Ibrahim Mayaki, Chief Executive Officer of NEPAD Agency. “Together we must support African leaders to implement it—that means new partnerships, new financing arrangements and new ways to strengthen sustainable African institutions.”

Health governance

The Roadmap emphasizes the importance of robust policy, oversight and accountability frameworks for investments in AIDS, TB and malaria. AIDS Watch Africa—an African advocacy and accountability initiative—will play a key role in measuring progress and holding national, regional, continental and global stakeholders accountable to their commitments on AIDS, TB and malaria.

“AIDS Watch Africa’s vision of shared responsibility and global solidarity marks a radical departure from business as usual,” said UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé. “I urge all African leaders to urgently take the Roadmap forward and all development partners to get behind these African efforts in the spirit of solidarity and mutual accountability.”

Diversified financing

According to UNAIDS estimates, Africa will require an annual investment of US$ 11-12 billion for its AIDS response in 2015; that same year, the expected funding gap is US$ 3-4 billion. Similarly, resources available for the continent’s TB and malaria responses fall far short of need.

The Roadmap calls on African governments and development partners to fill these funding gaps together, investing their “fair share” based on ability and prior commitments. Countries are encouraged to develop financially viable national plans with clear targets. Development partners are asked to provide long-term, predictable resources and to align their commitments with African priorities.

"Effective fund mobilization and disbursement are critical for our response," said Mr Idriss Déby Itno, President of the Republic of Chad. “This Roadmap should be a roadmap for each Head of State. We must consider this an opportunity to change our approach not just to AIDS but to the development of our Continent.”

Access to medicines

Many African countries depend on external sources to provide life-saving medicines for their populations. In the case of AIDS, more than 80% of HIV drugs dispensed in Africa are imported. A vast majority of HIV medicines keeping Africans alive are paid for through external aid.

The Roadmap establishes a set of priority actions to accelerate access to affordable and quality-assured medicines in Africa. These include: strengthening African drug regulatory systems; ensuring that countries in Africa acquire essential health-related technologies and commodities through South-South cooperation; and removing trade barriers to allow for the emergence of pharmaceutical production hubs within Africa that can serve regional markets.

AU Chair calls for side event on AIDS and shared responsibility

During the Summit of the African Union, Dr Yayi Boni called on African leaders to hold a high-level side event at the September 2012 UN General Assembly focused on AIDS and shared responsibility. Such an event would offer a unique opportunity to present the Roadmap to the global community, he said.

GENEVA, 13 July 2012—United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon has appointed Asha-Rose Migiro as his Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa.  “Ms Migiro’s experience in responding to AIDS as UN Deputy Secretary-General, combined with her many years as an advocate for health and social justice in Africa, make her uniquely qualified for this important role,” said Mr Ban.

Ms Migiro served as the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General from 2007 to 2012. In that role, she was integrally involved in promoting the AIDS response globally and within Africa, with special emphasis on reducing the vulnerability of women and girls and ensuring the rights of people living with HIV.

“I am honoured to accept this appointment at this crucial moment in the African AIDS response,” said Ms Migiro. “A decade ago, HIV in Africa was almost entirely an epidemic of despair. Today, we celebrate progress against AIDS that we never thought possible. Now is the time to take our efforts to a new level––I am committed to the Secretary-General’s vision that the beginning of the end of AIDS in Africa starts now.”

Ms Migiro served as Tanzania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation from 2006 to 2007—the first woman to hold that position since the country’s independence. She was previously the Minister for Community Development, Gender and Children for five years. Prior to Government service, she pursued a career in academia, and, served as a member of Tanzania’s Law Reform Commission in 1997 and as a member of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women in 2000.

“I look forward to working closely with Ms Migiro in helping African countries reduce their AIDS dependency and provide universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support services,” said UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé. “Her experience and leadership will promote African ownership of the AIDS response at the highest levels and reduce the inequities of people affected by AIDS in the continent.”

Africa remains the continent most affected by HIV. In 2010, about 68% of all people living with HIV resided in sub-Saharan Africa. The region also accounted for 70% of all new HIV infections worldwide.

GENEVA, 8 June 2012—The Programme Coordinating Board—governing body of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS)—concluded its 30^th session on 7 June calling for a range of recommendations to strengthen the global HIV response. During the three-day deliberations, the Board received progress reports on issues related to the work of UNAIDS and its Cosponsors.

In his report to the Board, UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé underscored the progress made towards the targets of the 2011 Political Declaration on AIDS. The Global Plan to eliminate new HIV infections among children and reduce AIDS-related maternal deaths is on track, said Mr Sidibé. UNAIDS and partners are advancing their commitment to empower and protect women and girls, he added.

“Let me be clear: with your continued support, we will end new HIV infections from mother to child by 2015, and we will do all we can to keep women living with HIV alive and healthy,” said Mr Sidibé.

Women and girls

The Board called on Member States to implement programmes that ensure national HIV responses meet the specific needs of women and girls—including those living with and affected by HIV—across their lifespan.

Delegates unanimously welcomed UN Women as the eleventh Cosponsor of UNAIDS. The new partnership with UN Women is expected to further strengthen the UNAIDS family’s work on gender equality and HIV, as well as enhance collaboration with governments, international partners, women’s organizations and the women’s rights movement.

Other key decisions and recommendations

The Board called on Member States to support effective national AIDS responses by intensifying their efforts to create enabling legal frameworks. Countries were requested to review laws and policies that adversely affect the successful, effective and equitable delivery of HIV prevention, treatment, care and support programmes to people living with and affected by HIV.

Recognizing the critical role that civil society organizations play in the HIV response, the Board called on UNAIDS, in collaboration with Member States, to advocate for continued funding for civil society, as well as for enhanced mechanisms for civil society support and accountability within the new funding architecture of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

Board members also urged UNAIDS to use its convening role to facilitate more strategic, country-driven and coordinated technical support. They accepted the UNAIDS financial report and audited financial statements for the period 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2011.

A thematic segment focused on combination HIV prevention approaches provided an opportunity for delegates to exchange information and perspectives on the latest developments and strategies to prevent the spread of HIV. Outcomes from the session will feed into discussions at the July 2012 International AIDS Conference, to be held in Washington DC.

The Programme Coordinating Board meeting—chaired by Poland, with India as vice-chair and the United States of America as rapporteur—was attended by participants and observers from UN Member States, international organizations, civil society and non-governmental organizations. The UNAIDS Executive Director’s report, decisions, recommendations and conclusions from the meeting to the Board can be found at: unaids.org.

GENEVA, 29 May 2012—The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) welcomes the announcement by the International Labour Organization (ILO) that Guy Ryder has been elected as the organization’s new Director-General. Mr Ryder will begin his five-year term in October 2012, taking over from current Director-General Juan Somavia.

“HIV has had a huge impact on business, industry, workers and workplaces,” said Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “The ILO’s commitment to preventing HIV and promoting human rights at work for people living with HIV continues to play a critical role in the AIDS response. I look forward to working closely with Mr Ryder to increase access to HIV services for people living with HIV both in and beyond the workplace.”

The vast majority of the 34 million people living with HIV are aged 15-49 and are in the prime of their working lives. As two out of three people living with HIV go to work each day, the workplace is one of the most effective settings for responding to the epidemic.

ILO is the cosponsoring organization of UNAIDS which takes the lead on HIV workplace policy and private sector mobilization to protect people living with HIV and achieve zero discrimination in the workplace. The ILO takes action to prevent HIV and ensure access to HIV services for workers and their families who are affected by HIV. It also actively protects the rights of workers, opposing discrimination, and improving occupational safety and health.

GENEVA, 10 May 2012—The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) expresses its concern over recent actions by Greek authorities involving the arrest, detention, mandatory HIV testing, publication of photographs and personal details, and pressing of criminal charges against at least 12 sex workers. There is no evidence that punitive approaches to regulating sex work are effective in reducing HIV transmission among sex workers and their clients.

The initiation of criminal prosecution against sex workers living with HIV for intentional gross bodily harm raises concerns about the inappropriate application of criminal law, particularly in a context where clients have the social and economic power to insist upon condom use.  In addition, publication of names, photographs and positive HIV status drive sex workers into hiding and reduces their trust in health care services.

UNAIDS is further concerned by a recent amendment to immigration legislation adopted in April 2012 that appears to provide for automatic detention of migrants and asylum-seekers who have an infectious disease, or belong to a group at high risk of infection, without consideration of whether they pose an actual risk. This includes sex workers, people who inject drugs and could be applied to people living with HIV.

To the degree the law assumes that people living with HIV, sex workers and people who use drugs pose a public health threat based only on their health and social status, it is overly broad and discriminatory, and represents an HIV-related restriction on entry, stay and residence.

UNAIDS urges the Greek authorities to review these laws and practices with a view to adopt evidence-based programmes and an enabling legal environment that supports all people—including sex workers and their clients, people who use drugs, migrants and asylum-seekers—to access voluntary and confidential HIV prevention, treatment, care and support services so that they can avoid HIV infection or live a healthier life if HIV-positive.

GENEVA, 9 May 2012—The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) welcomes today’s announcement by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria that an additional US$ 1.6 billion will be available for new commitments over the next three years.

“This ushers in a new era for the Global Fund and I am pleased to see that it is opening the door to new partnerships,” said Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “The Global Fund must keep firmly focused on country successes and continue to leverage resources to ensure that countries can reach their goals and that more lives are saved.”

Resources available for HIV from international sources have been declining in recent years, hampering countries’ efforts to scale-up programmes. Many countries responded to the shortfall with an increase in domestic spending for HIV. The volatility of resource availability has slowed the provision of HIV prevention and treatment services.

The renewed focus on shared responsibility of donors and governments provides an opportunity to build new partnership frameworks which allow countries and communities to take the lead in determining their priorities to meet the 2015 targets as outlined in the 2011 UN Political Declaration on AIDS.

The Global Fund in its reform process must continue to put countries first. UNAIDS urges the Global Fund to make the additional resources available to countries as quickly as possible. UNAIDS will continue to work closely with the Global Fund, countries and communities to ensure the resources are invested transparently in effective and evidence informed programmes to achieve the best results for people.

GENEVA, 1 May 2012—United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon has appointed J.V.R. Prasada Rao as his Special Envoy for AIDS in the Asia-Pacific region. Mr Rao will take over the position in July this year from Dr Nafis Sadik who served in the role since 2002.

“Mr Rao has demonstrated his strong leadership of the AIDS response for 14 years,” said Mr Ban. “I am confident that as my Special Envoy he will help to achieve an HIV-free generation in the region.”

Mr Rao began his engagement with HIV issues when he became Director of India’s National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) in 1997. During his time with NACO he successfully made India’s response to the epidemic truly multi-sectoral by engaging a broad range of international partners. Later he became India’s Secretary for Health and Family Welfare, where he played an instrumental role in drafting India’s AIDS Prevention and Control Policy.

His experience and contribution to the AIDS response led him to being appointed as the Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS’ (UNAIDS) Regional Support Team in Asia-Pacific and subsequently as Special Advisor to the Executive Director of UNAIDS.

Mr Rao served as Member Secretary of two independent commissions on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific. He is currently also a Commissioner of the Global Commission on HIV and the Law.

“Prasada is an excellent and experienced champion for the AIDS response,” said Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “He has an expert understanding of the dynamics of the epidemics in the region and we look forward to working with him in his new role and combining our efforts to end AIDS in Asia and the Pacific.”

The UN Secretary-General announced the appointment in Mr Rao’s home country, India, where he was on an official visit to further his efforts to improve women and children’s health around the world.