UNAIDS’ vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths is not about “absolute zero.” It is a journey that leads us to social justice and to greater distribution of opportunity for people who are not lucky.

Commentary and recommendations for the implementation of Guideline 6: “States should enact legislation to provide for the regulation of HIV-related goods, services and information, so as to ensure widespread availability of qualitative prevention measures and services, adequate HIV prevention and care information, and safe and effective medication at an affordable price…”

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.

Creating an enabling environment for women in all their diversity – especially for women living with HIV – to access services and fulfil their human rights, is one of the central tenets of the UNAIDS Agenda for Women and Girls. Equally important is the support for leadership and meaningful participation by networks of women living with HIV, and other women’s groups, in addressing gaps in services and barriers to achieving women’s rights to sexual and reproductive health.

On this World AIDS Day we are filled with both hope and concern. Hope because significant progress has been made towards universal access. New HIV infections have dropped. Fewer children are born with HIV. And more than 4 million people are on treatment.

UNAIDS applauds the decision by the Government of China to lift its national travel ban for people living with HIV. View video message by UNAIDS Executive Director.

May 17 is the International Day Against Homophobia. Homophobia is considered one of the main obstacles in implementing HIV prevention strategies.