GENEVA, 27 June 2017—The Government of Germany has announced that it will double its funding to UNAIDS in 2017-2018, to €5 million per year. Germany made the announcement at the 40th Meeting of the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board, being held in Geneva, Switzerland.

“With Germany, we have a common goal of ending AIDS and a shared commitment to strengthen health systems and improve the health and well-being of people across the world,” said Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “We warmly welcome Germany’s support and its recognition of the important role that UNAIDS plays in ending AIDS and in broader global health and development efforts.”

“UNAIDS is an important partner for Germany’s health and development agenda, particularly in Africa. Increased investment in UNAIDS and the AIDS response will have a multiplier effect on the wider Sustainable Development Goal agenda,” highlighted Gerd Müller, Federal Minister of Economic Cooperation and Development, Germany.

Germany has prioritized health on the global development agenda and under its current Presidency of the Group of Twenty (G20) held the first ever G20 health ministers meeting in May 2017.

“Ending AIDS is a historic goal and I firmly believe we can reach it. We have to increase our joint efforts and UNAIDS is central to that work,” said Hermann Gröhe, Federal Minister of Health, Germany.

UNAIDS

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

The Executive Director of UNAIDS, Michel Sidibé, has spoken out about the need for continued leadership in global health from the United States of America to end the AIDS epidemic. During a speech at the Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) Capitol Hill Conference, Mr Sidibé said, “What scares me is the move to a conspiracy of complacency. People think that AIDS is done, that we can move on. Now is not the time to lose our momentum.”

Senior United States officials, researchers, implementers, policy-makers and advocates were present at the event, which was held to review the substantial progress in the response and what is required to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030.

The conference, Making AIDS History: a Roadmap for Ending the Epidemic, was chaired by Susan Blumenthal, amfAR’s Senior Policy and Medical Advisor and former United States Assistant Surgeon General. Speakers acknowledged the strong bipartisan commitment and leadership of successive United States Administrations and the Congress, which have saved millions of lives and made it possible to begin envisaging a world without AIDS. It was noted that cuts to international assistance, multilateral organizations and United States global AIDS programmes would have irreversible and devastating consequences.

Deborah Birx, United States Global AIDS Coordinator and Special Representative for Global Health Diplomacy, presented data illustrating dramatic results, including progress towards reaching the 90–90–90 targets among adults in Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe and corresponding declines in new HIV infections.

“It is remarkable what we have achieved, bringing together governments and communities, with the support of UNAIDS and collaboration with the Global Fund to Fight AIDS Tuberculosis and Malaria,” said Ms Birx. “These essential partnerships make hard-earned United States taxpayer dollars go so much further and amplify our results.”

Mr Sidibé emphasized that partnership and global solidarity are paying off—in both economic terms and in the number of lives that have been saved. “The generosity and compassion of the American people has helped us move from despair to hope,” he said.

Kenneth Cole, Chief Executive Officer of Kenneth Cole Productions, Chairman of amfAR and International Goodwill Ambassador for UNAIDS, referred to commitments made by governments to Fast-Track the response to the epidemic and said that strong, continued United States leadership is essential to seizing the moment and dramatically scaling-up access to HIV treatment and prevention services. “We are at a tipping point and tipping points can go one of two ways—we have to end up on the right side. We have come too far to see 35 years of hard won progress grind to a halt,” said Mr Cole.

UNAIDS is leading global efforts to end the AIDS epidemic and is working with countries, donors, civil society and partners to increase action and Fast-Track the response to HIV over the next four years to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. 

Evening hosted by Her Royal Highness Princess Eugenie of York, Caroline Rupert and Ndaba Mandela. Guests paid tribute to the legacy of AIDS activist Dame Elizabeth Taylor and enjoyed star performances by Nico & Vinz and live auction by auctioneer Simon de Pury

BASEL/GENEVA, 13 June 2017—Supporters of UNAIDS attended its annual gala on 12 June, hosted by Her Royal Highness Princess Eugenie of York, Caroline Rupert and Nelson Mandela’s grandson, Ndaba Mandela. Held at Design Miami/Basel on the eve of the Art Basel art festival, the guests pledged their support to the work of UNAIDS in increasing access to HIV prevention and treatment services worldwide.

“We have come a very long way in responding to HIV and millions of lives have been saved, but AIDS is not over. Every hour 125 people die of AIDS and 240 people are newly infected with HIV,” said Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “As Dame Elizabeth Taylor said, we must “win for all humanity”. Leave this gala with her sense of urgency, her compassion and commitment. Because together we can reach our dream of ending AIDS.”

The hosts welcomed around 270 international guests from the worlds of art, design, architecture, fashion, film and music. The gala was made possible by Cartier and the hotel InterContinental Geneva, with the support of Design Miami/.

The evening honoured the legacy of longstanding AIDS activist Dame Elizabeth Taylor, whose grandson Quinn Tivey was present at the gala. A special tribute was held in recognition of Dame Elizabeth’s remarkable contributions to improving the lives of people living with HIV.

The evening began with an exclusive vernissage of Design Miami/Basel, showcasing work from some of the world’s most important collectible designers of the 20th and 21st centuries.

After the reception and preview, Her Royal Highness Princess Eugenie of York and Caroline Rupert welcomed the guests. Auctioneer Simon de Pury then opened a live auction, with lots from designers that included Catherine Opie, Cartier, Dustin Yellin, the Haas Brothers and Pierre Jeanneret.

The gala concluded with a special live musical performance by Nico & Vinz, who entertained guests with new releases as well as popular hits, such as Am I Wrong? DJ Bas Ibellini took to the stage for the after-party to close the evening.

Website and social

www.unaids.org

www.designmiami.com

#AIDSisnotover #UNAIDSgala

Instagram: @unaidsglobal

Facebook: facebook.com/UNAIDS

Twitter: twitter.com/unaids

Media contacts

UNAIDS | Sophie Barton-Knott | tel. +41 22 791 1697 | bartonknotts@unaids.org

Camron PR | Hannah Perry | Hannah.Perry@camronpr.com 

Camron PR | Max Tobias | Max.Tobias@camronpr.com 

UNAIDS

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

InterContinental Geneva Hotel

The hotel opened its doors in 1964 and was renovated by world famous designer Tony Chi. Its legendary discretion and security have made it the confidant and caretaker of many events of international importance. The Residence on the top floor is the highest  and most prestigious Suite in Geneva and offers a breathtaking 360° view of the mountains, the lake, the city and its spectacular setting (1'000 sqm). Lying at the heart of the diplomatic district, the hotel turns into a relaxing destination during the summer, featuring the largest outdoor swimming pool in Geneva. In 2013, the hotel and UNAIDS entered into a public–private partnership inviting guests to “make history” and pledge for an AIDS-free generation. www.geneva-intercontinental.com

Design Miami/

Design Miami/ is the global forum for design. Each fair brings together the most influential collectors, gallerists, designers, curators and critics from around the world in celebration of design culture and commerce. Occurring alongside the Art Basel fairs in Miami, United States of America, each December and Basel, Switzerland, each June, Design Miami/ has become the premier venue for collecting, exhibiting, discussing and creating collectible design.
www.designmiami.com

Cartier

The Cartier Charitable Foundation was established in 2012 to catalyse the Maison Cartier’s philanthropic commitment to improve the livelihoods of the most vulnerable. The foundation focuses on the most excluded and marginalized, in particular women and children living in the world’s least developed regions. Its efforts seek to remove the barriers that prevent people from acting and thriving, enabling them to live a meaningful and fulfilling life in an inclusive, equitable and safe environment. The foundation currently supports 20 partners in 30 developing countries. For additional information, please visit http://www.cartiercharitablefoundation.org/en

In Uganda in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the President, Yoweri Museveni, showed the world, through pioneering high-level political leadership, that it was possible to reverse the AIDS epidemic, and for many years new HIV infections declined in Uganda. New HIV infections were reduced from 150 000 in 1990 to 66 000 in 1998—an incredible decline of 56%. However, by the early 2000s, the AIDS epidemic had begun to rebound, and by 2009 had climbed back up to 130 000 new HIV infections per year, a devastating blow to the country’s efforts to push the epidemic into permanent decline.

In the past few years, steps have been taken to once again reduce the epidemic, and in 2015 new HIV infections had dropped to 83 000. However, a disproportionate number of adolescent girls and young women between the ages of 15 and 24 are being affected and around 360 are becoming newly infected every week.

President Museveni is ready to reclaim his leadership role in the AIDS response, and on 6 June in Kampala, Uganda, at an event attended by the UNAIDS Executive Director, Michel Sidibé, launched the Presidential Fast-Track Initiative on Ending AIDS as a Public Health Threat in Uganda by 2030. Dubbed “Kisanja hakuna mchezo” (no playing games), the initiative contains a five-point plan for more focused and urgent action to accelerate achieving control of the HIV epidemic in Uganda.

The plan will aim to revitalize HIV prevention, especially among adolescent girls and young women, and consolidate progress on elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. It will also accelerate implementation of HIV testing and treatment for men, particularly to ensure they reach the 90–90–90 targets, address financial sustainability for the AIDS response and ensure institutional effectiveness for a multisectoral response.

The First Lady of Zambia, Esther Lungu, attended the launch to reaffirm her commitment to the AIDS response and that of the Organisation of African First Ladies against HIV/AIDS.

During a meeting with the First Lady of Uganda, Janet Museveni, who is also the Minister for Education, Mr Sidibé congratulated her for her commitment to the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. As a result of her personal drive, Uganda has experienced a 90% decline (from 2009 to 2015) in the rate of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, the highest of the 21 priority countries of the Global Plan towards the elimination of new HIV infections among children by 2015 and keeping their mothers alive.

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Second UNAIDS gala to be hosted by Her Royal Highness Princess Eugenie of York, Caroline Rupert and Ndaba Mandela

Auctioneer Simon de Pury to run the live auction, featuring one-of-a-kind art and design pieces

BASEL/GENEVA, 06 June 2017—UNAIDS, in collaboration with Cartier, the InterContinental Geneva Hotel and Design Miami/, is to host its second fundraising dinner and auction to mark the start of Art Basel and Design Miami/ Basel on Monday, 12 June, in Hall 1 Sud at the Messeplatz. The event aims to raise much needed funds to support UNAIDS’ work in ensuring access to HIV prevention and treatment services worldwide.

There were more than 36 million people living with HIV in 2015. To survive and thrive, everyone living with HIV needs immediate access to treatment, yet only half have access to life-saving medicines and around 40% of people living with HIV don’t even know they have the virus. UNAIDS is working to ensure that people can get tested for HIV and access treatment and care if they test positive.

New HIV infections are still occurring at an alarmingly high rate. Around 2 million people became infected with HIV in 2015. UNAIDS is working hard to reach the populations most affected by HIV and make sure they have the tools to protect themselves against the virus.

THE GALA

The gala will be hosted by Her Royal Highness Princess Eugenie of York, Caroline Rupert and Nelson Mandela’s grandson, Ndaba Mandela, who will welcome international guests from the worlds of art, design, architecture, fashion, film and music.

The evening will honour the legacy of longstanding AIDS activist Dame Elizabeth Taylor, and include a live auction run by Simon de Pury, with rare and one-of a kind art and design lots from the Haas Brothers, Cartier, Catherine Opie, Dustin Yellin and Pierre Jeanneret.

Beginning with the invitation-only vernissage of Design Miami/ Basel, guests will enjoy a private reception and preview, showcasing work from some of the world’s most important collectible design galleries of the 20th and 21st centuries. Other highlights of the gala include a performance by long-time UNAIDS supporters Nico & Vinz, a silent auction and an after-party hosted by DJ Bas Ibellini.

 “We are pleased that the UNAIDS gala will be returning to Art Basel for the second year,” said Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “Last year was a fantastic success and we look forward to using this unique platform to continue our endeavour to make history and end the AIDS epidemic, ensuring that no one is left behind or excluded from life-saving HIV services.”

The event is being generously supported Cartier, the InterContinental Geneva Hotel and Design Miami/. Tickets are available at https://www.universe.com/events/unaids-gala-tickets-5KZTDQ at CHF 750 for an individual ticket, with tables of 10 starting at CHF 7000.

Featured lots include:

1. Catherine Opie— Jewels in Afternoon Light #3 on behalf of the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation
2. Cartier—bespoke Juste un Clou bracelet specifically designed for UNAIDS
3. Dustin Yellin—Procession from Under the Sea sculpture
4. Haas Brothers— Unique Dick Drake Mini Beast unique piece, in Brown Icelandic sheepskin with cast bronze Large Mouth, Large Erect Dong, and Short Pickle Feet
5. Pierre Jeanneret —“Office” Chair
6. John M. Armleder — DORAYAKI N2, Mirror, iridescent blown glass Limited Edition of 5
7. InterContinental — The InterContinental European Experience
8. Sam Orlando Miller — Untitled Mirror 1 (Sky Blue)
9. FOS — Street Lamp

For media information and press registration please contact

Camron PR

Hannah Perry / Hannah.Perry@camronpr.com 

Max Tobias / Max.Tobias@camronpr.com 

Website and social

www.unaids.org

www.designmiami.com

#AIDSisnotover #UNAIDSgala

Instagram: @unaidsglobal 

Facebook: facebook.com/UNAIDS

Twitter: twitter.com/unaids

UNAIDS

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Cartier

The Cartier Charitable Foundation was established in 2012 to catalyse the Maison Cartier’s philanthropic commitment to improve the livelihoods of the most vulnerable. The foundation focuses on the most excluded and marginalized, in particular women and children living in the world’s least developed regions. Its efforts seek to remove the barriers that prevent people from acting and thriving, enabling them to live a meaningful and fulfilling life in an inclusive, equitable and safe environment. The foundation currently supports 20 partners in 30 developing countries. For additional information, please visit http://www.cartiercharitablefoundation.org/en

InterContinental Geneva Hotel

The hotel opened its doors in 1964 and was renovated by world famous designer Tony Chi.

Its legendary discretion and security have made it the confidant and caretaker of many events of international importance. The Residence on the top floor is the highest  and most prestigious Suite in Geneva and offers a breathtaking 360° view of the mountains, the lake, the city and its spectacular setting (1'000 sqm). Lying at the heart of the diplomatic district, the hotel turns into a relaxing destination during the summer, featuring the largest outdoor swimming pool in Geneva. In 2013, the hotel and UNAIDS entered into a public–private partnership inviting guests to “make history” and pledge for an AIDS-free generation. www.geneva-intercontinental.com

Design Miami/

Design Miami/ is the global forum for design. Each fair brings together the most influential collectors, gallerists, designers, curators and critics from around the world in celebration of design culture and commerce. Occurring alongside the Art Basel fairs in Miami, United States of America, each December and Basel, Switzerland, each June, Design Miami/ has become the premier venue for collecting, exhibiting, discussing and creating collectible design. For more information, please visit www.designmiami.com

Production

Josh Wood Productions

UNAIDS and the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief have convened a ministerial meeting to review progress in implementing the Start Free, Stay Free, AIDS Free framework on 24 May. The meeting, sponsored by Lesotho, Malawi, Swaziland, and the World Health Organization was held on the sidelines of the 70th World Health Assembly.

The First Lady of Namibia and UNAIDS Special Ambassador for Young Women and Adolescent girls, Monica Geingos, was a special guest at the meeting. She gave an inspiring keynote speech that set the tone of the meeting, in which she emphasized the need to change the way we speak to young people and train the people who are educating them on sex and HIV, including teachers and grandparents.

“We’ve done so much great work on the Start Free, but there’s something wrong on the Stay Free,” said the First Lady. “Young people have changed the way they talk and we need to speak their language so we can reach them in a way they can relate to.”

Florence Anam, from the International Community of Women Living with HIV, shared her own personal experience and talked about health systems that are ill-equipped to deal with teenagers and teenage pregnancy. She said, “We need to invest in networks of women living with HIV and build our capacity to contribute to and engage with actions that impact on our lives.” She also talked about the need to involve men and create initiatives for greater male engagement to promote shared responsibility.

The common theme of the meeting was the agreement that excellent work has been done to stop new HIV infections among children, but that adolescents have been left behind and a new approach is needed to reach and engage them in staying free from HIV.

“We will never be able to control and end this epidemic if we don’t think ahead,” said Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “This means not just thinking about starting free and giving babies a chance to be born free, but also making sure that they stay free.”

Ministers of health and representatives of Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mali, Namibia, Nigeria, Swaziland, Togo and Zimbabwe joined the Executive Director of UNAIDS and the United States Global AIDS Coordinator to look at some of the challenges they are facing in scaling up HIV prevention and treatment, as well as to share some of the success stories from their respective countries.

They were asked to describe what was the one most important action they were initiating under the Start Free, Stay Free, AIDS Free agenda. Below are some of the highlights of their responses. 

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This year’s International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT) focuses on the family, including the role of families in the well-being of their lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) members and respect of the rights of LGBTI families.

UNAIDS has been a strong supporter of LBGTI equality and has been a champion of the cause within the United Nations system. To celebrate the diversity of families at UNAIDS, we have talked to LGBTI staff about what family means to them.

Shane Hebel

When I think of family I think of my chosen family, friends who became loved ones through our shared experiences, joys and trials. We support each other, we push each other to be our best selves, we help each other move. These people have taught me that families come in all forms and that love can exist boundlessly among those you choose to surround yourself with, even if they aren’t tied to you by blood. 

Chris Mallouris

Family for me means safety, unconditional love and acceptance for who I am, acceptance when I succeed and acceptance when I fail. As we grow older, our family expands from those with whom we are linked genetically to those who come to our lives by mutual choice. In the last few years, it has been heart-warming to see LGBTI people in some regions of the world celebrate publicly their definition of family. But it has also been heart-breaking to see LGBTI people in other regions losing their families, being persecuted and having their lives threatened by those who should be there to protect them and love them unconditionally. Families protect each other, they don’t turn against one another for being born LGBTI.

Carlos Passarelli

When I met Marc, almost three years ago, I always acted as if his kids, his grandchildren, and his stepsons were his family, not mine. One day, Manon, his daughter, introduced me to a colleague of hers, presenting me as her “stepfather”. I must admit that I was touched by her spontaneity. Her three daughters, Marc’s grandchildren, also treat me as the partner of their grandfather, and it is very natural to them. And then I realized that Marc and I were more than a couple: we were part of the same family, including my own family in Brazil. And I felt good about that.

Alberto Stella

The family is the primary social context for growth development of the person in its wonderful diversity. My family has been growing along my journey: I found my son in Africa and my partner in central America and we got married in Argentina. Today, we are a family, a refuge that provides security, love and a real possibility of fully exercising human rights. No matter how the family is composed, what makes family functional is the strength of ties.

UNAIDS’ policy

Starting in 2009, UNAIDS actively promoted the equal recognition of marriages and unions at the United Nations system level. UNAIDS was one of the pioneers in extending benefits to staff members who entered a civil union or marriage recognized by a competent legislative authority, irrespective of the staff member’s nationality. The United Nations Secretariat and other entities later adopted a similar policy in 2014. UNAIDS was also one of the first United Nations organizations to establish a diversity policy. UNAIDS’ Policy on Diversity and Inclusion makes specific reference to same-sex partnerships and UNAIDS’ policy of zero tolerance for discrimination.

UNAIDS staff member

Family to me is my immediate family, but it’s also the many gay and lesbian friends I have made over the years. The two are essential to my life. I have the unconditional love of my parents, who accept me for who I am, a lesbian, but they stay silent about my life and lifestyle. That is why I feel a reassuring sense of community with my gay friends. At UNAIDS, the sense of acceptance has been overwhelmingly positive and I wish everyone could work in such an environment. No labels, no stigma.

UNAIDS staff member

A few months ago, I delivered training on sexual orientation and gender identity in western Africa. I shared with the participants my experience of coming out to my family in my twenties and then pursuing a life and a career. One of the participants asked me if there had been a nongovernmental organization that had helped me when I came out. The question caught me off guard. I realized that it presupposed that I had been rejected by my family and that I must have needed external help to survive. I replied that I did not need any help because as soon as I came out I was embraced, reassured and supported by my family at all times. This made me reflect on how fortunate I am to have my parents and siblings, to have been born in a time and in a place where that family was possible, and to have been resilient enough to come out to my family and to society without much fear. I know these factors are not a reality for all LGBTI youth worldwide, and for that we need to continue advocating for universal human rights, education, services and justice.

To celebrate IDAHOT 2017, UNAIDS has released a video message (https://youtu.be/DGbO0qt7EQo) by Michel Sidibé, UNAIDS Executive Director, on the diversity and importance of all families.  

Mr Sidibé in the video statement said, “Families come in all shapes and sizes … we all have a responsibility to respect and protect one another.” He added, “Ending AIDS means we need to end the stigma and discrimination of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people.”

GENEVA, 17 May 2017—UNAIDS’ vision of zero discrimination and ending AIDS by 2030 will only become a reality if the response to HIV reaches everyone, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people.

The International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT), a worldwide celebration of sexual and gender diversity, is commemorated annually on 17 May. This year’s theme is families, focusing on the role of families in the well-being of LGBTI people and respect of the rights of LGBTI families.

“Many young gay and transgender people are rejected by their families, living on the streets, facing all types of discrimination and violence,” said the Executive Director of UNAIDS, Michel Sidibé. “This is not the path to healthy and productive societies. We must encourage inclusion and compassion and ensure that networks of support are in place, including access to essential health and social services.”

Gay men and other men who have sex with men are 24 times more likely to acquire HIV than other men and transgender people are 49 times more likely. However, in many health-care settings, LGBTI people find it difficult to access quality health services free from discrimination, making them more vulnerable to HIV and less likely to access treatment and care.

Under international human rights law, countries have a legal obligation to address discrimination in health and in the workplace. In 2016, UNAIDS launched an Agenda for Zero Discrimination in Health-Care Settings, which brings together all stakeholders for joint efforts towards a world where everyone, everywhere, is able to receive the health care they need with no discrimination.

UNAIDS is calling for respect for diversity and zero discrimination. To end AIDS it is essential to end the stigma and discrimination faced by LGBTI people.

UNAIDS

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Since its establishment in 2003, the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has saved millions of lives. In 2016, around 11.5 million people living with HIV had access to antiretroviral treatment through PEPFAR-funded programmes, including 1.1 million children. Nearly 2 million babies born to women living with HIV were born HIV-free, and 6.2 million orphans and other vulnerable children received care and support.

In addition, PEPFAR funding supported more than 11.7 million voluntary medical male circumcision procedures to help prevent HIV acquisition and one million adolescent girls and young women were reached through the DREAMS initiative in 10 countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

And PEPFAR is on track to continue to deliver yet more results. Through a series of consultations over the past three months, PEPFAR has completed planning for its 2017 funding cycle to support more than 30 countries through Country Operational Plans.

The final regional review meeting in the process—which involved around 250 partners, including senior government officials in implementing countries, civil society representatives and multilateral organizations—concluded on 29 April in Johannesburg, South Africa. UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé addressed the opening plenary meeting, underscoring the vital role of PEPFAR in accelerating country efforts to control their epidemics and advance towards the goal of ending AIDS by 2030.

PEPFAR’s investments in countries supports UNAIDS’ efforts to Fast-Track the response to HIV. The Fast-Track approach focuses on accelerating scale-up of HIV prevention, treatment, care and support for the populations and locations most affected by the epidemic. The development and review of PEPFAR’s Country Operational Plans is a model for transparency, inclusion and country ownership, with senior government officials and people living with and affected by HIV involved in the process.

UNAIDS is a key partner, working closely with countries to leverage PEPFAR investments and accelerate progress towards prevention and treatment targets. Bringing together the diverse technical resources of the United Nations system, UNAIDS helps countries to strengthen data systems, focus national strategic plans, overcome bottlenecks to scale-up, and put in place an enabling policy and social environment for access to services, including by eliminating stigma and discrimination.  

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