Every day, 460 adolescent girls become infected with HIV and every week 350 adolescent girls die of AIDS-related illnesses

GENEVA, 8 March 2019—On International Women’s Day, UNAIDS is urging countries to step up and protect young women and adolescent girls from HIV.

AIDS-related illnesses remain the leading cause of death for women aged 15–49 years globally. In 2017, 66% of new HIV infections among 10–19-year-olds were among females globally—in eastern and southern Africa, 79% of new HIV infections among 10–19-year-olds were among females.

“There is a vicious cycle of gender inequities, gender-based violence and HIV infection in many parts of the world,” said Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “Oppression and power imbalances must be redressed and harmful masculinities addressed in order to ensure that women and girls have full control over their sexual health and rights.”

Much more needs to be done to reach young people with HIV prevention, treatment and care. Young women and adolescent girls are especially being left behind. Gender-based violence, sexual exploitation and drug use are among the many factors that can increase the vulnerability of young women and adolescent girls to HIV.

Efforts to end AIDS are undermined where the human rights of young women and adolescent girls—especially their sexual and reproductive health and rights—are not supported. Countries must therefore enact laws and policies that enable access to services, including health and social protection, by young women and adolescent girls, helping them to claim their right to health.

International law gives people, including young women and adolescent girls, the right to access services to protect their sexual and reproductive health. However, 45 countries worldwide still have laws that require people under the age of 18 years to obtain the consent of their parents in order to be tested for HIV.

Social protection, education—including comprehensive sexuality education—and HIV prevention services that are integrated with sexual and reproductive health services have been shown to improve the health of, and empower, young women and adolescent girls. A South African study showed that HIV prevalence among girls who had finished high school was about half that among girls who had not (8.6% versus 16.9%). Children who access universal primary education in Botswana, Malawi and Uganda have been shown to have similar outcomes.

Investing in education. Investing in HIV and other health services. Preventing and protecting women and girls from violence. Eradicating harmful practices such as early, forced and child marriage. Promoting women’s rights. Through these actions young women and adolescent girls can be protected from HIV and the world can build towards ending AIDS by 2030.

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.

On 1 March, Zero Discrimination Day, we celebrate the advocacy and activism that brings the world closer to zero discrimination and the actions and laws that help to ensure that people can live with dignity.

My call this year is focused on changing discriminatory laws and practices that block people from accessing health and other life-saving services.

Laws should protect, not reject. Every person has an equal right to be treated with dignity and respect.

In 2019, I call on countries to support the Global Partnership for Action to Eliminate all Forms of HIV-Related Stigma and Discrimination, launched by the Global Network of People Living with HIV, UNAIDS, the United Nations Development Programme, UN Women and the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board nongovernmental organization delegation on 10 December 2018, Human Rights Day. Civil society organizations, networks of people living with HIV and key populations are leading with organizations in the United Nations system—the World Food Programme, the United Nations Development Programme, UN WOMEN, the International Labour Organization, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and the World Health Organization—to provide guidance to countries working to respond to stigma and discrimination.

The work of the global partnership will focus on six key settings—health-care settings, the workplace, the education system, the justice system, households and humanitarian and emergency settings.

Zero discrimination is essential to achieving universal health coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals. All over the world, people are unable to live with dignity because of laws and practices that discriminate. For example:

• At least 20 countries worldwide still impose travel restrictions on people living with HIV.
• In 29 countries women require the consent of their spouse or partner to access sexual and reproductive health services.

Laws must protect, not cause harm. All countries must carefully review their laws and policies to ensure equality and protection for all people, with no exceptions.

On Zero Discrimination Day, and every day, let’s act together to change discriminatory laws.

Michel Sidibé

Executive Director of UNAIDS

Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations

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.

ADDIS ABABA/GENEVA, 11 February 2019—The African Union has passed a motion of support for the Executive Director of UNAIDS Michel Sidibé recognizing that the invaluable work of UNAIDS, under the leadership of Mr Sidibé, has saved many lives and has had a decisive impact on the AIDS epidemic in Africa.

The motion was passed during the 32nd Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 11 February 2019. It credits Mr Sidibé’s strategic vision and relentless advocacy to ensure that all populations, including the most vulnerable, have access to health services. It also commends him for keeping HIV among the top global health priorities and for his efforts in improving the health of the people of Africa.

“It is a privilege to serve the people of Africa and the world and I have dedicated my forty-year career to ensuring that vulnerable populations everywhere can live with dignity,” said Mr Sidibé. “The strong partnership between the African Union and UNAIDS is one that has been built on shared responsibility and global solidarity. The global support for the AIDS response and people living with HIV has been unprecedented and we must redouble our efforts to end AIDS. I will continue to do my best to ensure no one is left behind.”

African Union members expressed their profound gratitude for his work and commitment and for his contribution to the attainment of the objectives of the African Union, including Agenda 2063.

The African Union said it remains committed to work with UNAIDS and all its partners to mobilize all the energies and necessary resources to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. And “counts on his unflinching commitment and abiding leadership to continue to promote the health and wellbeing of the peoples of the African continent.”

UNAIDS

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

GENEVA, 6 February 2019—UNAIDS welcomes the pledge by the President of the United States of America to stop HIV transmission in the country by 2030. The President made the announcement during his State of the Union Address to Congress on 5 February 2019.

“The United States of America’s steadfast commitment to the HIV response and its support to UNAIDS’ call to end AIDS by 2030 have saved millions of lives,” said Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “I commend the President’s commitment to end AIDS in the United States, which will require a response grounded in human rights to reach all people living with and at risk of HIV, including the most marginalized.”

UNAIDS estimates that around 1.2 million people were living with HIV in the United States in 2015. The epidemic is largely concentrated in urban environments and disproportionally affects gay men and other men who have sex with men and African American, Hispanic and Latino women and men, as well as people who use drugs.

“The contribution by the United States to the global response to HIV, made through support for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, has made a tremendous impact,” said Mr Sidibé. “Globally, new HIV infections among children have been reduced by 35% since 2010 and 22 million people are accessing antiretroviral therapy, saving millions of lives.”

Through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, the United States has invested more than US$ 80 billion in the global response to HIV since 2003. “Strong, continued support for the global response from the United States is required given there is a US$ 5 billion shortfall from the US$ 26 billion required for an effective response to HIV in 2020,” said Mr Sidibé.

UNAIDS looks forward to seeing the details of the new United States strategy on HIV and to continuing to work closely with the United States to end AIDS, both in the country and around the world.

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.

PANAMA CITY/GENEVA, 28 January 2019—During a visit to the Good Samaritan Foundation and Home for people living with HIV in Panama, Pope Francis has urged people not to discriminate against their neighbours. The Good Samaritan Foundation and Home, or Casa Hogar El Buen Samaritano, is currently home to 16 people living with HIV aged from 16 to 60 years. They were among the first to be greeted by His Holiness during his visit.

“The Good Samaritan, whether in the parable or in all of your homes, shows us that our neighbour is first of all a person, someone with a real, particular face, not something to avoid or ignore, whatever his or her situation may be,” said Pope Francis.

Pope Francis travelled to Panama from 23 to 27 January to celebrate World Youth Day with young people from across the world. The visit to Casa Hogar El Buen Samaritano took place on the final day of his visit. His Holiness said that the work of the home confirms people’s faith by “anointing wounds, renewing hope and encouraging faith.” 

For 15 years, Casa Hogar El Buen Samaritano has provided comprehensive care and treatment to help people living with HIV recover their health and dignity and reconnect with their communities and families. It also provides HIV prevention education for thousands of people, including young people in schools and young people who may be at risk of HIV.  

The First Lady of Panama and UNAIDS Special Ambassador for AIDS in Latin America, Lorena Castillo de Varela, joined the visit, as did the Executive Director of UNAIDS, Michel Sidibé.

“Casa Hogar El Buen Samaritano embraces all people, regardless of their health or HIV status,” said Mr Sidibé. “Faith organizations like Buen Samaritano have an amazing ability to touch the lives of the people who are most difficult to reach and to remove the barriers of stigma and discrimination. Faith communities speaking out about HIV can move us closer to ending the AIDS epidemic,” he added.

UNAIDS works closely with the Catholic Church and the Holy See on shared goals, such as eliminating new HIV infections among children and increasing access to paediatric testing and treatment. Zero discrimination is key to achieving those goals.

Globally, significant gaps remain in preventing, diagnosing and treating HIV among children. In 2017, there were 180 000 new HIV infections among children globally. Just half (52%) of infants exposed to HIV worldwide received early infant diagnostic tests within the first two months of life and only 52% of children living with HIV had access to treatment in 2017.

The Vatican has convened a high-level discussion, Scaling Up Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Children and Adolescents, bringing together leaders of major pharmaceutical companies, multilateral organizations, donors and governments. While there is still ground to cover, there have been positive results in accelerating paediatric diagnosis and treatment. UNAIDS is continuing to work with all partners, including the Vatican, to scale up HIV services for children.   

UNAIDS

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

GENEVA, 11 January 2019—UNAIDS warmly welcomes the appointment of Rico Gustav as the Executive Director of the Global Network of People Living with HIV (GNP+). GNP+ has been working for more than 30 years to ensure that the people most affected by HIV are heard and listened to as an integral part of the response to HIV. GNP+ is a much-valued partner of UNAIDS and its work is critical to ending AIDS.   

“Rico Gustav is an excellent advocate for people living with and affected by HIV and a strong voice for all populations that have been marginalized,” said Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “He is a trusted activist, a skilled leader and a compassionate human being.”

Mr Gustav is a longstanding health and development activist and a leading voice in the community response to HIV. He is also a former staff member of UNAIDS, having worked for the UNAIDS Country Office in Indonesia and for the UNAIDS Regional Support Team for Asia and the Pacific in Bangkok, Thailand, building and strengthening links between community networks and regional stakeholders.

UNAIDS looks forward to working closely with Mr Gustav and GNP+ in advocating for, and supporting fair and equal access to, HIV prevention, treatment, care and support services for people living with and affected by HIV.

UNAIDS

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

GENEVA, 14 January 2019—As the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (Global Fund) launches its sixth replenishment for its next three-year funding cycle, UNAIDS is urging donors to fully fund the Global Fund.

The Global Fund launched the summary of its Sixth Replenishment Investment Case in Paris, France, calling for US$ 14 billion to help save 16 million lives through programmes for HIV, tuberculosis and malaria. The Global Fund estimates that this will cut the mortality rate for the three diseases in half. Funding will also go to building stronger health systems.

“In July 2018, UNAIDS sounded the alarm—resources available for AIDS are not matching agreed political commitments and there is an annual shortfall of US$ 5 billion,” said Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “I welcome the Global Fund’s call to raise at least US$ 14 billion for AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria for the next three years and call on donors and domestic partners to dig even deeper to ensure that the global investment target of US$ 26.2 billion for the AIDS response is met by 2020, as it is a public health imperative. I am confident that the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, and partners will ensure that the Global Fund is fully funded and will keep the bar high to ensure that additional funds are raised.”

Investing in the Global Fund is vital. To date, the Global Fund estimates that it has ensured access to HIV treatment for 17.5 million people living with HIV, keeping them alive and well. Funds also support access to HIV services for key and marginalized populations, HIV prevention, programmes for adolescents and programmes for young women and girls, HIV/tuberculosis integration and coinfections.  

UNAIDS will continue to strengthen the long-established partnership with the Global Fund to maximize the impact of the investments, accelerate inclusive people-centred responses and end AIDS as public health threat. Joint work takes place across diverse sectors, enhancing human capital and strengthening systems to deliver sustainable results, save lives and leave no one behind.  

The full Global Fund Sixth Replenishment Investment Case will be presented and discussed by global health leaders at the Preparatory Meeting of the Global Fund Sixth Replenishment, hosted by the Government of India in New Delhi on 8 February 2019.

UNAIDS estimates that US$ 26.2 billion will be required for the AIDS response in 2020. In 2017, US$ 21.3 billion was available for the AIDS response in low- and middle-income countries. UNAIDS urges a scale-up in donor and domestic resources for HIV to fill the gap and end the HIV, tuberculosis and malaria epidemics by 2030 as part 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.

Health is everyone’s concern. The world has been striving for access to quality and affordable health services since the Declaration of Alma-Ata, which called for health for all more than 40 years ago.

We have come a long way since then—improvements in access to, and the quality of, health-care services have increased life expectancy globally from 62 to 72 years. Yet progress is far from equal. Today, more than half of the world’s population do not have full access to essential health services, because they are unaffordable, inadequate, inaccessible for certain groups or simply unavailable.

There is increasing inequity around the world, with the richest 1% of the population now owning half of the world’s wealth. Life expectancy in the poorest countries of the world is appreciably lower than in the wealthiest, and living in areas blighted by poverty can mean a shorter life span and a lost future. The disparity is observed between countries and between different communities within countries, with the most vulnerable, marginalized and stigmatized being left behind.

Making progress towards universal health coverage that is truly universal means making progress towards equity, inclusion and social justice. It means a people-centred, human rights-based approach and community-led service delivery, as well as a recognition of the need to address the social determinants of health, including necessary reforms of laws and policies and removing stigma and discrimination and gender inequity.

The global response to HIV has illustrated the critical measures—decisive political leadership and commitment, community engagement and a response informed by scientific evidence—that can change the course of a global epidemic.

Reaching time-bound HIV prevention and treatment targets will make an important contribution to achieving the universal health coverage targets, and together will significantly accelerate progress towards realizing the Sustainable Development Goals.

In recognition of the theme of this year’s Universal Health Coverage Day, “Unite for universal health coverage: now is the time for collective action”, I call on everyone to embrace and contribute to the universal health coverage movement. United, we can make universal health coverage a reality for all.

12 December 2018
Michel Sidibé
Executive Director of UNAIDS

UNAIDS

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

GENEVA, 7 December 2018—UNAIDS condemns the rapes of 150 women and girls while collecting food for their families near Bentiu, a government-controlled area in South Sudan, during a 10-day period in November.

Echoing a statement made by the United Nations Special Representatives on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Pramila Patten, and for Children and Armed Conflict, Virginia Gamba, and the Special Advisor on the Prevention of Genocide, Adama Dieng, who spoke out against the rapes earlier this week, Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS, said, “No one should live in fear of sexual violence, no matter where they live. We must protect women and girls from one of the grossest human rights violations—rape. We must end gender-based violence for good.”

The world is commemorating the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence from 25 November until 10 December to highlight the commitments made to end all forms of gender-based violence. UNAIDS is committed to working with its partners to prevent and mitigate the effects of rape and other forms of gender-based violence.

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.

As we mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, we commemorate and renew our global commitment to ending violence against women and other forms of gender-based violence. 

Violence against women remains one of the most persistent violations of human rights across the globe, undermining the health, dignity, security and autonomy of women and girls. Women who have been physically or sexually abused by their partners report higher rates of mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, higher use of alcohol and less control over sexual decision-making.

There is an undeniable link between violence against women and HIV. Studies show clearly that women living with HIV are more likely to have experienced violence, and women who have experienced violence are more likely to be living with HIV. In some regions, women who experience physical or sexual intimate partner violence are 1.5 times more likely to acquire HIV than women who have not experienced violence. Among marginalized populations, a high prevalence of violence is linked to higher rates of HIV infection, in particular among transgender women.

Violence or the fear of violence can it make very difficult for women to insist on safer sex and to use and benefit from HIV and sexual and reproductive health services. The fear of intimate partner violence is also an important barrier to the uptake of HIV testing and counselling, to the disclosure of HIV-positive status and to treatment uptake and adherence, including among pregnant women living with HIV. Violence against women living with HIV also manifests in health-care settings—women have even reported being sterilized against their will. 

Programmes that empower women and girls through integrated approaches that transform social and cultural norms and promote and implement laws and policies on violence against women, gender equality and HIV are incredibly effective. The uptake of such programmes, combined with political will to promote gender equality and end discrimination against women, are critical to addressing violence against women. UNAIDS remains committed to continuing to act urgently against violence against women as a human rights imperative and as a cause and consequence of HIV.

On 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women kicks off the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, ending on 10 December, Human Rights Day. It is a time to commemorate and renew our commitment to ending violence against women and other forms of gender-based violence.

25 November 2018

Michel Sidibé

Executive Director of UNAIDS

Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations

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.