This report has been developed following a consultation on geographic epidemiology held in Geneva, Switzerland 25–26 July, 2013. Many of the examples used in this report were presented at that meeting. UNAIDS would like to thank the meeting participants and the reviewers of this document for their contributions.

Six country experiences of financing community responses through governmental mechanisms

This report presents the final results of the Global Plan towards the elimination of new HIV infections among children by 2015 and keeping their mothers alive. It summarizes country progress from 2009 to 2015. Entitled “On the Fast-track to an AIDS-Free Generation”, the report also highlights programmatic interventions undertaken at the country, regional and global levels. The end of the Global Plan heralds the new effort to stop pediatric AIDS, Start Free Stay Free AIDS Free which was launched in 2016

Country-specific progress fact sheets are available here

Scientific evidence is essential for policies and programmes to advance the vision of UNAIDS of zero HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. New scientific information is becoming available at a rapid pace, and many of the findings are potentially important to guide future action against AIDS. To ensure this, UNAIDS has access to the latest scientific developments; a UNAIDS Scientific Expert Panel was established to advise UNAIDS on major new scientific discoveries and research evidence as well as research gaps and strategic AIDS research needs. The Scientific Expert Panel comprises more than 40 scientists from around the world with expertise in a wide range of disciplines, including epidemiology, behavioural science, virology, diagnostics, pathogenesis, immunology, treatment, prevention and cure.

Cities have inherent advantages in responding to complex health problems such as HIV. They are dynamic centres of economic growth, education, innovation and positive social change. Cities have large service infrastructures and—through the power of networks—have the potential to deliver services where they are most needed, in a way that is both equitable and efficient while respecting the dignity of its citizens.

The world has committed to ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030. How to reach this bold target within the Sustainable Development Goals is the central question facing the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting on Ending AIDS, to be held from 8 to 10 June 2016. The extraordinary accomplishments of the last 15 years have inspired global confidence that this target can be achieved.

Greatly expanded access to routine viral load testing will be a game-changer in the global response to AIDS. Routine viral load tests improve treatment quality and individual health outcomes for people living with HIV, contribute to prevention, and potentially reduce resource needs for costly second- and third-line HIV medicines.

This document provides a review of key issues related to intellectual property policies and their potential impact on access to HIV and other medicines. It is intended as an introduction to the issues for civil society engaged in the response to HIV and other health concerns.

Information and communication technology (ICT) represents an important new resource for enhancing the reach and effectiveness of HIV programming. Gay men and other men who have sex with men already use ICT to facilitate many kinds of interactions, and a host of private for-profit platforms exist to help men negotiate offline social and sexual encounters.