In 2007, advances in the methodology of estimations of HIV epidemics applied to an expanded range of country data have resulted in substantial changes in estimates of numbers of persons living with HIV worldwide.

Describes key principles and considerations and provides a framework for the monitoring and evaluation of HIV prevention programmes for most-at-risk populations. This is not an manual of monitoring indicators.

Despite the pervasiveness of HIV-related stigma and discrimination in national HIV epidemics and their harmful impact in terms of public health and human rights, they remain seriously neglected issues in most national responses to HIV. National AIDS programmes together with key partners can take concrete steps to address these critical obstacles and help pave the way towards universal access to prevention, treatment, care and support. This document presents strategies, programme examples and research findings concerning how governments, the UN system, donors and civil society can make the reduction of HIV-related stigma and discrimination central in the national response to AIDS.

Launched in January 1996, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) supports and coordinates the efforts of 10 cosponsoring United Nations (UN) system organizations and works with a wide range of other partners in the global response to AIDS. UNAIDS is guided by a Programme Coordinating Board with representatives of 22 governments from all geographical regions, six cosponsors, and five nongovernmental organizations including associations of people living with HIV. UNAIDS Secretariat headquarters is in Geneva, Switzerland, with staff on the ground in more than 80 countries.

UNAIDS policy advice on the HIV related risks and prevention, care and treatment needs of international labour migrants.

According to data in the UNAIDS 2008 Report on the global AIDS epidemic there have been significant gains in preventing new HIV infections in a number of heavily affected countries. In Rwanda and Zimbabwe, changes in sexual behaviour have been followed by declines in the number of new HIV infections.

The two main reasons advanced for criminalizing HIV transmission are to:

AIDS OUTLOOK/09 is a new report from UNAIDS that provides perspectives on some of the most pressing issues that will confront policymakers and leaders as they respond to the challenges presented by AIDS in 2009.

This document is intended primarily for policy makers and practitioners of HIV prevention programmes at national or sub-national levels. It provides a bird's eye view of the full document. Practical Guidelines for Intensifying HIV Prevention towards Universal Access

According to new data in the 2009 AIDS epidemic update, new HIV infections have been reduced by 17% over the past eight years.