Discrimination, stigmatization and denial have been recognized as important issues to be addressed in the context of HIV/AIDS. Discrimination against those living with HIV/AIDS, or presumed to be infected, is a violation of human rights. All individuals deserve equal respect and dignity, whatever their situation and whatever their health status. This Key Material succinctly describes and compares findings from studies, conducted in India and Uganda, of the nature, determinants and effects of HIV/AIDS-related discrimination, stigmatization and denial. The comparative analysis demonstrates the profound consequences of these negative processes for the individuals, families and communities involved. Policy, programmatic and research issues are also highlighted.

Around the world, HIV/AIDs is shattering millions of children and young peoples' opportunities for healthy adult lives. Nevertheless, it is young people who offer the greatest hope for changing the course of the epidemic. In June 2001, the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDs adopted the 'Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS'--a comprehensive global workplan to beat HIV/AIDS, which focuses on the needs and rights of young people and children. This report examines the Declaration and its intention with regard to preventing mother-to-child transmission, providing care for children affected by AIDS, and protecting young people against the epidemic, as well as the time frames for the achievement of these critical goals.

This case study focuses on the development and implementation of prepayment insurance schemes for HIV/AIDS-related health care services in Rwanda. Based on an analysis of National Health Accounts, and developed by the Rwandan Government, the system was introduced to ensure that the growing numbers of rural poor had access to modern health care facilities. The study examines the proportion of health-related expenditures by government, donors and patients on the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS, detailing the impact on households, and suggesting ways to decrease the financial burden of HIV on the seropositive poor. Issues of effectiveness, ethical soundness, relevance and equity within the HIV-positive population are also explored.

Greater Involvement of People Living with or Affected by HIV/AIDS (GIPA)

Throughout the course of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, the role gender relations play in the spread of the virus has gained increasing recognition. For example, women worldwide are less likely than men to be able to control whether, when and how sex takes place. It is also becoming clearer that women cannot change prevailing gender relations without the support of their male partners. Thus, engaging men is a critical component in HIV/AIDS prevention. This document helps those working with men, specifically in the field of HIV prevention, as well as more broadly in the areas of improved sexual and reproductive health. It examines 12 diverse projects, including Project Papai, which works with young men in Recife, Brazil to promote participation in health, education and child-rearing. It is believed that an analysis of their strategies and lessons learned would generate common ground on men’s needs in association with HIV/AIDS and their general health, and would provide insights into effective approaches for working with men.

Elements and issues

This Nutrition Policy Paper is based on the ACC/SCN Symposium on Nutrition and HIV/AIDS held in Nairobi in April 2001. The objective of the symposium was, firstly, to stimulate collaboration between the nutrition and HIV/AIDS communities. The second objective was to examine a broad range of nutrition issues that have a direct bearing on policies and programmes aimed at stemming the spread of HIV and mitigating the worst effects of AIDS. This report provides technical information, policy guidance and informal reflections. It also contains the ACC/SCN statement arising from the symposium, and in Annex 1, a fact sheet on the interactions between nutrition and HIV/AIDS.

This UNAIDS Best Practice key material is directed at managers of national and international NGOs working on HIV/AIDS and other health and development issues. It is intended to increase their awareness of the opportunities, and possible problems, associated with alternative resource mobilization strategies, with a special focus on commercial activities. It is hoped that this will motivate NGO managers to determine and begin implementing the most appropriate resource-generating strategies to enable their organizations to continue and expand their important work.

Based on feedback from members of the International Organisation of Employers (IOE), and through IOE’s extensive business networks, this handbook documents selected initiatives in the workplace, designed to minimize the impact of HIV/AIDS and to maximize prevention efforts. Such initiatives include HIV/AIDS prevention programmes, making information about the virus widely available in the workplace, encouraging informed and supportive attitudes towards co-workers, and promoting changes in attitudes and behaviour towards sex. Some employers are also establishing care programmes to treat opportunistic infections among workers and families, reduce the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections and even offer antiretroviral drugs to attack HIV itself. The handbook also provides details of results obtained and lessons learned from the various initiatives undertaken by employers worldwide.

Summary of the Declaration of Commitment.