Within the pages of this World AIDS Day report, Focus on location and population, are more than 50 examples of how countries are getting on the Fast-Track. It shows how governments are working with community groups and international partners to scale up health and social services that put people at the centre and located where they can do more people more good. 

Read the publication on ISSUU

• Part 1 (Foreword - Conclusions)
• Part 2a (Where services are needed - Lesotho)
• Part 2b (Malawi - References)

Download

• Part 1 (Foreword - Conclusions) (PDF, 27MB)
• Part 2a (Where services are needed - Lesotho) (PDF, 87MB)
• Part 2b (Malawi - References) (PDF, 72MB)
• Full report (PDF, 186MB)

Urban areas are also home to millions of people who have fallen through the cracks of social, political and economic life. People who lack access to education, health services and prevention measures face significantly higher health risks. Under these social conditions, many diseases including HIV spread more quickly. Additionally, poor sanitation and crowding foster the spread of tuberculosis, which is the leading cause of death among people living with HIV. Cities need to address their significant disparities in access to basic services, social justice and economic opportunities. Using a Fast-Track AIDS response, cities can improve social equality for people affected by HIV and those living with the disease, while also addressing related public health challenges in new and innovative ways to prevent disease. Methodology Additional resources

Language influences the way we think, how we perceive reality, and how we behave. With respect to HIV, language can embody stigma and discrimination, which impacts access to testing, acquisition of HIV, and engagement with treatment. Language plays a role in supporting respect and empowerment of individuals, as communities shape how they are referred to and the labels they wish to use. Consideration and use of appropriate language can strengthen the global response to the HIV pandemic by diminishing stigma and discrimination and increasing support and understanding for individuals and communities living with HIV. Comments and suggestions for modifications should be sent to editorialboard@unaids.org

UNAIDS welcomes additional evidence released in May 2015 that early initiation of antiretroviral therapy has a positive effect on the health and well-being of people living with HIV. The United States National Institutes of Health-funded international randomized clinical trial START (Strategic Timing of Antiretroviral Treatment) has found compelling evidence that the benefits of starting antiretroviral therapy as soon as someone is diagnosed outweigh the risks of delaying until their CD4 count has fallen to 350 cells/mm³.

The world is embarking on a Fast-Track strategy to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030. To reach this visionary goal after three decades of the most serious epidemic in living memory, countries will need to use the powerful tools available, hold one another accountable for results and make sure that no one is left behind. Additional resources.