Geneva, 6 May 2011—President Mahamadou Issoufou, Niger’s newly-elected Head of State, will lead a delegation at the June 2011 High Level Meeting on AIDS, including the First Lady, the Coordinator of the National AIDS Commission and the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Public Health, Finance, Population, the Promotion of Women and Child Protection. The delegation will also include representatives from associations of people living with HIV, as well as from a youth network, a faith-based coalition, the private sector and an
HIV-focused non-governmental organization.

“I thank President Issoufou and everyone joining the Nigerien delegation for their planned engagement in the High Level Meeting on AIDS,” said UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé. “The participation of this large and diverse delegation sends an important message that Niger is committed to keeping AIDS at the top of its political agenda,” he added. The High Level Meeting will be held at the United Nations in New York City from 8-10 June 2011.

An estimated 0.8% of the adult population in Niger is living with HIV. However, HIV prevalence in the country is considerably higher among key populations, particularly sex workers. In recent years, the Government of Niger and its partners have put in place strategies to accelerate HIV prevention among sex workers and other populations at higher risk of HIV exposure.

Geneva, 6 May 2011—President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria has confirmed his participation in this year’s UN General Assembly High Level Meeting on AIDS. The gathering of Heads of State and high-level representatives from government, the scientific community, civil society and the private sector will be a unique opportunity to review and renew global commitments for the AIDS response.

“The High Level Meeting will be a milestone in the global AIDS response,” said UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé. “As the leader of a country that is heavily impacted by the epidemic, President Jonathan’s voice and engagement in this meeting will be critical to move the AIDS agenda forward,” he added. The High Level Meeting will be held in New York City from 8-10 June 2011.  

Nigeria has the second largest population of people living with HIV after South Africa. The estimated HIV prevalence among adults in Nigeria is 3.6%, with wide variations across the country.

In recent years, Nigeria has made progress in its efforts to expand access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support. According to UNAIDS estimates, coverage of antiretroviral treatment in Nigeria reached 21% in 2009, up from 1% coverage in 2004.

Stellenbosch/Geneva, 2 May 2011—The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and Stellenbosch University have brought together technology leaders, AIDS activists, social media experts and young people to discuss how social media and mobile technologies can be leveraged for HIV prevention.

The event, which is taking place at the Stellenbosch University in South Africa, is being held to find new ways of reaching young people with information about how to prevent HIV. This is particularly important at a time when globally only 1 in 3 young people have complete knowledge of how HIV is transmitted and 7000 people are becoming newly infected each day.

“We must engage young people in defining the prevention interventions that work for them,” said UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé. “The potential of social media and mobile technologies to re-energize the AIDS movement is clear. We need nothing less than an HIV prevention revolution, with social media and mobile technology at its core.”

The Internet and social media are widely used around the world, particularly by young people. Data released recently by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) shows that there are 333 million mobile telephone users in Africa and 77 million Internet users. Nigeria alone has 44 million people connected to the Internet.

Social media and mobile technology can be used effectively to raise awareness about HIV and provide correct information on HIV prevention. They also lend themselves to facilitating peer-to-peer education and discussions about HIV and creating social movements calling for action.

“The point where social media and mobile technology converge with innovation is where we need to focus our collective efforts in the HIV prevention response to ensure that our young people are not left behind in our endeavour to halt the spread of this epidemic,” said Prof. Jan du Toit, Director of the African Centre for HIV/AIDS Management at Stellenbosch University.

The discussions are being livestreamed and will include question and answer sessions via Facebook at www.facebook.com/unaids and on Twitter (@UNAIDS).

“Effective use of social media and mobile technology in this field will bring hope to a generation whose future continues to be threatened by HIV,” said Prof. Russel Botman, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University.

The event is part of UNAIDS’ strategy to inspire and catalyze young people to use social media to ignite an HIV prevention revolution. It forms part of a series of events taking place in and around Cape Town and Stellenbosch on the occasion of the first meeting of the UNAIDS High Level Commission on HIV Prevention. Other events include a meeting of a new generation of AIDS activists with the HIV prevention commission on Robben Island on 3 May and a condom march, led by the Treatment Action Campaign, on 4 May in Khayelitsha.

Geneva, 26 April 2011—The Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Dr Denzil Douglas, will attend the United Nations General Assembly High Level Meeting on AIDS, a gathering of global leaders in New York City from 8-10 June 2011. Dr Douglas has lead responsibility for health and HIV within the Caribbean Community.

“Prime Minister Douglas’ pledge to attend the June meeting sends an important message that Saint Kitts and Nevis is committed to reenergizing the global AIDS movement, together with other world leaders,” said UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé.

In 2001, United Nations Member States came together for the first historic meeting on HIV, the UN General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS. At the follow-up review in 2006, the High Level Meeting on AIDS, Member States committed to pursue all efforts to achieve the goal of universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support.

The High Level Meeting in June 2011 will provide an important platform for UN Member States to evaluate achievements and gaps in the global HIV response and shape the future course of the epidemic.

President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau announces firm commitment to help ensure AIDS remains at the top of global agendas

Geneva, 18 April 2011—The President of Fiji,  Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, has underlined his firm commitment and leadership on driving forward the AIDS agenda as he confirms his attendance to the High Level Meeting on AIDS, taking place at the UN in New York from 8-10 June.

“The High Level Meeting is an important milestone for the AIDS response. We must strive to refocus global efforts to ensure HIV remains high on the agenda,” said President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, a longstanding supporter on AIDS and former UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador. “Millions of people have died, millions are in need of treatment, and thousands of people are becoming infected every day. Complacency on AIDS at this critical time is not an option.”

In Fiji, as elsewhere in the Asia Pacific region, increased action on AIDS is reaping results and the AIDS epidemic is stabilising. However, new infections are still outstripping the number of people being newly starting treatment, and stigma and discrimination are posing serious obstacles to scaling-up progress.

Underlining his continued personal drive to lead on AIDS issues, President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau announced his support to the AIDS response and the High Level Meeting at the ‘Positive Pacific Gathering 2011’, a meeting that brings together representatives of people living with HIV from the Pacific Island Countries.

“President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau is one of our most dedicated advocates on AIDS and his continued leadership is an example to all,” said Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “His engagement in the June meeting will play a major role in securing the future of the response.”

As part of the High Level Meetings proceedings, President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau will also engage in a special Heads of State session, hosted by the President of Rwanda. The session will unite leaders in shaping the future of AIDS, health and development.

Geneva, 15 April 2011—President Alpha Condé and the First Lady, Ms Djene Kaba Condé, will participate in this year’s UN General Assembly High Level Meeting on AIDS. The announcement came during a two-day official visit by UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé to the West African nation of Guinea Conakry.

The High Level Meeting, from 8-10 June 2011, is widely seen as an important opportunity to revitalize the global AIDS movement and achieve the UNAIDS vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths.

“I commend President Condé for his commitment and leadership on HIV,” said Mr Sidibé, after a meeting with Guinea’s Head of State on Thursday. “His presence at the High Level Meeting will be critical to advancing the AIDS response here in Guinea, and globally,” he added.

Over the past decade, Guinea has made significant strides in its national response to HIV. Between 2001 and 2009, Guinea saw a 25% reduction in its rate of new HIV infections. Coverage of antiretroviral treatment in the country reached 40% in 2009, up from just 3% in 2004. Furthermore, HIV prevalence in Guinea has remained relatively low since 2006, at about 1% of the adult population.

Young leaders empowered to lead change and hold policymakers accountable for future progress on HIV

Geneva, 15 April 2011—Over 100 young leaders from around the world are meeting in Bamako, Mali, for a three-day Global Youth Summit on HIV. The Summit, hosted by President Amadou Toumani Touré of Mali, is being held to create a new generation of leadership in the global AIDS response.

“Young people must take the leadership of the AIDS response, and they must be given the space to lead,” said President Touré, in the opening plenary of the Summit.

Despite the increase in the number of youth organizations and networks focusing on HIV, young people still face difficulties in influencing decision makers and in becoming engaged as equal partners in the AIDS response.

The Summit has been convened to empower young leaders, including young people living with HIV, to create a sustainable, youth-driven transformation of the AIDS movement. Participants will agree on strategies for young people to lead an HIV prevention revolution. They will also discuss ways of strengthening youth networks and uniting the youth and AIDS movements around the world.

“Today’s young people will assume the mantle for the next decade—ensuring social justice and equity,” said Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). “Young people are defining the future of the global AIDS response and bringing new energy to the AIDS movement.

Participants will develop a Call to Action to empower young people and hold policymakers accountable for future progress on AIDS. This Call to Action will be launched online and will leverage the voices of young people in the lead-up to the United Nations High Level Meeting which is taking place in New York from 8-10 June 2011. “I am ready to take the Call to Action coming out of the Mali Youth Summit on HIV to the High Level Meeting at the United Nations,” said President Touré.

“We are forging a network of young leaders to take ownership of the AIDS response. We are committed to using all available options to advocate for world leaders to redouble their commitment to the AIDS response at the High Level Meeting on AIDS in June," said Eunwoo Kim, co-chair of the steering committee of the Mali Youth Summit on HIV.

In 2009, people aged 15-24 accounted for 41% of new HIV infections among adults. Young women are particularly vulnerable to HIV, accounting for 64% of infections among young people worldwide. Data also show that young people are leading a prevention revolution by adopting safer sexual practices. The rate of new HIV infections in young people has fallen by more than 25% in 15 of the most severely affected countries.

GENEVA, 14 April 2011—UNAIDS expresses continued concern over reported disruptions in access to HIV prevention, treatment and care services in Côte d’Ivoire, even as the country moves towards peace and reconciliation.

Côte d’Ivoire has the highest HIV prevalence in West Africa, estimated at 3.4% of the adult population. More than 70 000 people in Côte d’Ivoire were on antiretroviral treatment when the electoral crisis began in late 2010. Interruptions in treatment access can have serious health consequences for people living with HIV.

“We know that conflict and civil unrest can increase a person’s vulnerability to HIV infection and threaten the health of those on antiretroviral treatment,” said UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé. “In this time of transition, I urge authorities and civil society organizations in Côte d’Ivoire to urgently restore HIV prevention and treatment services for people living with HIV,” he added.

UNAIDS looks forward to working with President Alassane Ouattara, his government and partners in the coming months to restore basic health and AIDS services to all in need.

El Salvador first country in Latin America to declare representation at the highest level at June meeting which will shape the future of the response to HIV

Geneva, 14 April 2011—The President of El Salvador, Mauricio Funes has set aside the dates to attend the United Nations High Level Meeting on AIDS in New York this June. The meeting will be critical in determining the future of the AIDS response as UN member states gather to discuss how to overcome the obstacles which are still preventing many countries from meeting their universal access targets.

In 2001 UN Member States came together for the first historic meeting on HIV, the landmark UN General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS. At the follow-up review in 2006, the High Level Meeting on AIDS, Member States made commitments to pursue all efforts to achieve the goal of universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support.

The meeting to be held in June will provide a platform for Member States and partners to review progress made to date and work out ways of addressing the many challenges faced in the AIDS response today.

“This year marks 30 years since the first case of AIDS was reported,” said Michel Sidibé. “In those 30 years the face of the epidemic has changed considerably and it is essential that the response adapts to the new realities. President Funes’s pledge of support to the June meeting is an encouraging sign that El Salvador is committed to keeping HIV at the top of its political agenda and that it stands firm in joining global efforts to achieve a future generation free from HIV.”

The percentage of people in need of treatment and who had access to antiretroviral therapy in El Salvador increased from 17% in 2004 to 53% in 2009––and the number of people living with HIV reduced by 27% from 2001 to 2009.

El Salvador assumed the position of chair of UNAIDS' Programme Coordinating Board for 2011. UNAIDS’ Programming Board acts as the governing body on all programmatic issues concerning policy, strategy, finance, monitoring and evaluation of UNAIDS.

New York, 8 April 2011—More than 400 civil society representatives have come together at the United Nations in New York for a one-day hearing on progress made in the HIV response. The event is an opportunity for United Nations Member States to engage with civil society representatives and people living with HIV to highlight some of the challenges, achievements and aspirations in the AIDS response and find new ways of moving forward.

The hearing is being held as UN Member States begin consultation on the drafting of a new outcome document on HIV, to be adopted at a United Nations High Level Meeting on AIDS in June.

At the 2006 High Level Meeting on AIDS, countries set goals towards achieving universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support. Although great strides have been made in the response since that time, not all countries have reached their universal access targets.

At the hearing civil society organizations highlighted the need for a strong new declaration, rejuvenated political commitment and revitalized targets to ensure countries scale-up to reach their universal access goals.

The President of the General Assembly, Joseph Deiss, who chaired the hearing said, “Civil society was the first to sound the alarm bells on AIDS in the 1980’s and their passion and resolve have not diminished today. Civil society’s voice remains as powerful as ever before and they are making every effort to support Member States in producing a strong and meaningful declaration on AIDS in June.”

The President’s report from the hearing, which will be issued as an official General Assembly document, will be instrumental in informing consultations in the lead up to the June Meeting.

“It is essential for the future success of the AIDS response that civil society is fully involved,” said Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS. “Civil society has a unique ability to build bridges and create links between partners. Member States have a valuable opportunity today to learn from the people who are most affected by the epidemic and find new ways of working together to make a real difference.”

Civil society representatives highlighted the need for sustainability over the long term. “It is encouraging that there is more commitment now from governments and donors to programmes to prevent vertical transmission of HIV,” said Ebony Johnson, North American Delegate, UNAIDS PCB NGO Delegation. “But this commitment must be extended to support people for the whole of their lifetimes to make sure that they have continued access to robust and sustainable HIV prevention, treatment and support services.”

Many of the issues and concerns raised by civil society organizations at the hearing were centered on increasing access to HIV services. Major obstacles outlined included legal and policy barriers; stigma and discrimination; the need for laws to protect human rights, including the rights of people living HIV; and social justice for equity in access to services

“The legal and policy environment must be reformed to increase the availability and uptake of services by people most affected by the epidemic,” said Joel Nana, Executive Director of African Men for Sexual Health and Rights. “It is essential that the right to access services is upheld regardless of sexual orientation, sexual practices or legal status.”

Civil society members also stressed the importance of fostering dialogue between communities and constituencies. They highlighted that dialogue between women’s groups, young people, people of different faiths and cultures, and marginalized groups is essential to reduce stigma and discrimination and remove barriers to scaling-up the response.

Another area civil society representatives focused on during the hearing was the urgent need to mobilize resources and strengthen communities through greater investment. In addition they underscored the need to form strategic partnerships between communities, governments, the private sector, trade unions and international organizations for a stronger, more comprehensive response to the epidemic.

The United Nations General Assembly High Level Meeting on AIDS will be held from the 8-10 June in New York. More information can be found online at: www.unaids.org/en/aboutunaids/unitednationsdeclarationsandgoals/2011highlevelmeetingonaids/