Team captains participating in the Mexican World Cup signing the pledge to support the UNAIDS campaign “Give AIDS the Red Card”. Credit: UNAIDS

The game of football has once again scored a goal against HIV at the 2012 International Gay and Lesbian Football Association (IGLFA) World Championship Cup, held in Mexico from 1st to 9th June 2012.

At the tournament, footballers from 8 teams representing the Americas, Europe and Oceania joined the UNAIDS’ campaign “Give AIDS the Red Card” to promote HIV prevention and take a stand against stigma and discrimination.

“We are proud to stand together with UNAIDS and its partners to give AIDS the red card,” said Andoni Bello Lanestosa, captain of the Mexican team. “We can make change happen. We can help reduce HIV transmission by 50% and end violence and discrimination,” he added.

The Latin America region shows an unfortunate record in terms of human rights violations against lesbian, gay, transgender and bisexual (LGTB) people due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. LGTB people face a serious problem of stigma and discrimination that limit their access to health services, education and judicial systems and job opportunities and increases their vulnerability to HIV.

“Experience shows that when people are stigmatized for their sexual orientation or gender identity, they are less likely to access health services and information on HIV prevention,” stressed César A. Núñez, UNAIDS Regional Director for Latin America. “Studies in Latin America show HIV prevalence rates around 10% among men who have sex with men. Among transgender population, HIV prevalence is even higher, between 20 and 28%,” he added.

Two years ago at the FIFA 2010 World Cup held in South Africa, UNAIDS launched the “Give AIDS the Red Card” campaign using the power and outreach of football to unite the world around stopping new HIV infections in children. In this occasion, the campaign, which is based on “Give AIDS the Red Card”, uses the tournament to raise awareness on the HIV prevention needs of the LGTB community.

All team captains participating in the Mexican World Cup signed the pledge to support the UNAIDS campaign. By signing the pledge, the delegations agree to spread the message of the campaign upon return to their respective countries. Along with the team captains, representatives of the International Association of Gay Referees and IGLFA Latin America also endorsed the initiative and signed the pledge.

Football players from the Argentinean and Mexican teams collaborated with the campaign from the beginning. They appeared on posters and advertisement billboards used before and during the ILGFA World Cup. “Sports stars can play an important role in the AIDS response by talking openly about HIV,” said Rubén Mayorga, UNAIDS Country Coordinator for Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Chile. “Football players who join the campaign can inspire people to learn the facts about AIDS, to protect themselves and to fight stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV and LGBT persons.”

The International Gay and Lesbian Football Association (IGLFA) was founded in 1992 and after 20 years, over 80 teams from more than 20 countries from all over the world have become part of this organization.

In India, the HIV epidemic is seriously affecting men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgendered people.
Credit: UNAIDS

Rupali always felt she was different. Born as a boy in India, she liked wearing girls’ clothes and finally at the age of 20, decided to disclose to her family her gender orientation. She declared she wanted to live as a woman.

“When I first decided to tell people about my sexual orientation and gender identity, I was scared,” said the 22-year-old. “But eventually I told everyone—my family, relatives, neighbours and friends.”

Rupali did several jobs, but found it too difficult to live openly as a man who has sex with men and work in a mainstream office. So, for the past two years she has been a sex worker in New Delhi. With the money she earns from her clients she supports her mother and younger brother. Her mother has had a heart problem for several years and Rupali needs to pay for her costly medicines every month.

But her job threatens her health as Rupali has a high risk of HIV infection.

In India, the HIV epidemic is seriously affecting men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgendered people. Among this population, 427 000 (in 2010) are considered at higher risk because they have multiple sex partners and many receive money in exchange for sex.

“When a customer is drunk, it is often difficult to convince him to use condoms,” said Rupali.

While sex work pays her bills, Rupali has been attacked several times. Like many transgendered people, Rupali finds it challenging to be fully accepted by her family and community. “The local thugs keep us in a constant state of terror. We fear them striking our faces with blades or brutally beating us up. But we fear the police even more,” said Rupali.

In India, the prevalence of HIV among MSM reached 7.3%, which is 20 times higher than among the general population. Recent data shows that HIV prevalence among transgender people in major cities like Mumbai and Delhi has soared even higher to nearly 25%. HIV programmes for MSM and transgendered people are gradually being scaled up.

The Pahal Foundation in Faridabad gets funding from the Haryana state government to provide HIV testing, treatment for sexually transmitted diseases, counselling and condoms to 750 MSM and transgender people, but hundreds more use their facilities every month.

“Everyone needs a support system. Without the support of their families and society, men who have sex with men and transgendered people often take their own lives or run away from home,” said Maksoom Ali, Project Manager at Pahal.

The Foundation has found that only a handful of the people they support are open about their HIV status with their families.

“Employment is a real problem for MSMs and transgender people,” said Manoj Kumar Verma, Outreach Worker at Pahal. “Many of us MSM try our best to appear straight, but eventually we get ‘outed’. I know several people who lost their jobs because they were severely discriminated against by their co-workers.”

There has been some progress in India for men who have sex with men and transgendered people. In the next phase of India’s National AIDS Control Programme (NACP4), there are plans to develop and implement programmes focused on the specific needs of transgender people. Three years ago, the Delhi High court decriminalized sex between adult men in a historic judgement.

Rupali is involved with an organization for MSM in West Delhi and she said she wants to contribute to her community. “Everyone has dreams but not all of them come true,” said Rupali. “That’s true for me too but I want to do something for my community and I want to be a better person.”

Transgender people in Argentina advocating for the passing of the gender identity law.

In Latin America, transgender people face stigma and discrimination based on their gender identity every day. Such situations limit their access to the education system, job opportunities and health services which, in turn, increase their vulnerability to HIV.

However, the commitment and mobilization power of the transgender community have achieved important political and social changes leading to a more pluralistic and democratic society based on the respect for diversity. Some of these achievements have been compiled in "Making Rights a Reality. The experiences of organizations of transgender people" launched on 17 May on the occasion of the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia.

Produced by the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, the Latin American and Caribbean Transgender Network (REDLACTRANS) and UNAIDS, the report is a compilation of six case studies. It focuses on the efforts made by transgender organizations in Latin America to achieve an inclusive society based on respect for human rights.

“This work reflects the needs of transgender people in the Latin American context, while highlighting their leadership and how it led to significant political and institutional changes,” said Cesar Nuñez, UNAIDS Regional Director for Latin America. “Only through participation and leadership of transgender people in identifying strategies to protect and guarantee their human rights we can reach a world with zero discrimination,” he added.

Progress has been made in Argentina and Uruguay regarding the legal recognition of human rights of transgender people, the report highlights. In the first case, the passing of a gender identity law confirmed transgender people as full citizens in the eyes of the law. In Uruguay, through a government decree, sex work has been formalized and legalized. Now sex workers are entitled to health insurance, retirement and other benefits.

In Argentina, the transgender organization ATTTA played a key advocacy role in the recent passing of the law on gender identity. “With this law we are claiming our right to identity. We will no more be forgotten by democracy. With this law we are here to make history,” said Marcela Romero, President of ATTTA and Coordinator of REDLACTRANS.

In Honduras and Bolivia, the publication stresses the achievement of transgender people’s participation in decision-making spaces within key structures of the AIDS response such as the Country Coordination Mechanism for Global Fund grants. In addition, El Salvador and Ecuador led initiatives in the field of comprehensive health which, resulted in the development of national programmes that now meet the specific needs of transgender people.

All of these achievements have one thing in common: the leadership of transgender people to demand and defend their rights.

"This compilation is in itself a valuable tool for advocacy and will increase the knowledge about transgender issues in the region and in the world, allowing decision-makers to improve existing programmes and approaches,” said Javier Hourcade Bellocq, the Latin American and the Caribbean Regional Representative of the International HIV/AIDS Alliance.

Mr Bellocq stressed that the leadership and participation of transgender people are essential to achieving social justice and strengthening the rule of law. “We cannot scale up universal access to HIV services if we do not have a strong regulation in place that recognizes gender identity. We need governments to ensure 'zero tolerance' to violence, abuse and crime," said Mr Bellocq.

Message from UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé

GENEVA, 14 May 2012—In the last year, we have seen greater acceptance of diversity. A new dialogue of openness and tolerance has emerged.

Yet in 79 countries, territories and areas, we still have laws that criminalize same-sex relations between consenting adults. These laws are serious barriers to an effective AIDS response and are driving lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender people underground where they cannot access life-saving services.

A society’s value should not be based on money or power. It must be measured by the way it values people, regardless of their sexual orientation or social status. A prosperous society is one that ensures inclusiveness and respects all people.

To our gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender friends, UNAIDS stands with you.

Your engagement is essential to achieving our vision of Zero new HIV infections, Zero discrimination and Zero AIDS-related deaths.

Many of Thailand’s more than five million migrants find themselves in situations that heighten their risk of HIV and have difficulty accessing key services such as antiretroviral therapy.
Credit: UNDP

Migration plays an integral role in Thailand’s economic development and the country hosts more than five million migrants from Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) and Myanmar.

Many migrants however find themselves in situations that heighten their risk of HIV and have difficulty accessing key services such as antiretroviral therapy (ART). A recent regional conference, organised by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the Joint Initiative on Mobility and HIV/AIDS (JUNIMA) from 24-25 April explored ways of ensuring better provision of ART to this potentially vulnerable group.

Although migration is not in itself a risk factor for HIV, it can increase vulnerability, such as exploitative working conditions, which may include sexual violence; and separation from spouses/partners, families and established social and cultural norms and values.

A new study in the six provinces most affected by HIV in Thailand has shown that Cambodian migrants bear the highest burden with an HIV prevalence of 2.5%. The estimated adult prevalence in the country as a whole is 1.3%. 

The Government of Thailand has taken steps to ensure that migrants have access to ART. Speaking at the conference, Dr Petchsri Sirinirund, Director of the National AIDS Management Centre at the Ministry of Health’s Department of Disease control said, “In the new national strategy for 2012-2016, we aim to provide access to quality HIV treatment and care for any person living with HIV in Thailand, regardless of their nationality.”

There is provision of antiretrovirals (ARVs) for certain categories of low skilled migrants but there are more people in need. Those who are officially registered can pay a fee for universal health coverage which includes HIV treatment and a limited number of people with temporary papers, some 2 300, receive ART through Thailand’s Global Fund project.

Political commitment to providing high quality care, including antiretrovirals, is also evidenced by the establishment of a Memorandum of Understanding on Joint Action to Reduce HIV Vulnerability Associated with Population Movement. This was signed in December 2011 by the six members of the Greater Mekong Sub-region (Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and the Yunnan Province of China). A Joint Plan of Action for the memorandum is being formulated.

In addition, Thai and Cambodian authorities have collaborated on a scheme which allowed Cambodian migrants to return to their home country to obtain a three month supply of ARVs.

However, many migrants are not in a position to access antiretrovirals. Each health scheme has a cost to individuals ranging from the equivalent of around 45 US dollars to 90 US dollars and there is also a long waiting list for treatment. A number of those who are unregistered never come to the attention of authorities and therefore receive no help.  

The challenges of cross border navigation of different regulations, health systems, and languages, as well as the often temporary nature of migration, make it particularly challenging for migrants living with HIV to access ART along the migration continuum and to adhere to drug regimens.

Furthermore, being given ART does not only involve obtaining the drugs themselves but also ensuring access to wider HIV services like voluntary and confidential counseling and testing as an entry point to treatment.

According to Promboon Panitchpakdi, Executive Director of the Raks Thai Foundation, a development NGO, “While we need to focus our discussion on availability of ARVs as a commodity, what also needs to be in place is a comprehensive system of medical and social care that is backed up by national and regional policy.”

A number of recommendations emerged from the UNDP/JUNIMA conference. These included: examining ways to use TRIPS intellectual property and free trade agreement flexibilities to lower the cost of treatment services and increase coverage for migrants; harmonize treatment and referral protocols across countries; and ensure that in addition to treatment, migrants have better HIV services available. 

Rathin Roy, Manager of UNDP Asia Pacific Regional Centre, is confident that migrants will be increasingly better served. “Thailand is a pioneer in implementing the human principle that migrants can access the same quality of HIV services and commodities that are available to citizens, and UNDP, through JUNIMA, is pleased to work in partnership with government and civil society across borders to address the challenges that will allow all migrants in need to access vital HIV treatment.”

The HIV epidemic in Latin America is mainly concentrated among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender persons.
Credit: UNAIDS

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) has created a specialized technical unit to strengthen its capacity to protect the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and intersex (LGBTI) people in the Americas.

The IACHR is an autonomous body of the Organization of American States (OAS), with a mandate to promote respect for human rights in the region and act as a consultative body to the OAS in this matter.

The specialized unit, created in January 2012, is part of IACHR’s comprehensive approach to promoting the interdependence and indivisibility of all human rights. It takes into account the specific needs of individuals and groups which have been historically the focus of discrimination. Among its functions, the unit analyzes and investigates individual petitions in which violations of human rights of LGBTI are alleged to have been committed by Member States of the OAS.

The HIV epidemic in Latin America is mainly concentrated among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender persons. The latter group has reported HIV prevalence rates of 27.6% in Argentina and of 29.6% in Peru in contrast to an estimated HIV prevalence among the general population of 0.5% and 0.4% in both countries respectively.

In addition, the region has experienced an alarming increase in violence and intimidation towards transgender people and MSM. The Inter-American Commission has received information about murders, rapes, and threats against LGBTI people. The Commission agrees that LGBTI persons face serious discrimination both at social and legal level.

UNAIDS has been working closely with the IACHR in recent years. “UNAIDS and the Inter-American Commission established a strategic alliance, based on a set of actions aimed at achieving zero discrimination and violence, with a human rights approach,” commented Víctor Madrigal-Borloz, Principal Specialist at the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.

The UNAIDS Regional Director for Latin America Dr César Núñez commended the creation of such a specialized unit. He called upon all countries in the region to fully respect the human rights of men who have sex with men, lesbians and transgender people through “enforcing laws to protect them from violence, promoting campaigns that address homophobia and transphobia and ensuring that crucial health needs are met.”

Expert meeting on violence and impunity against LGBTI people

At the end of February 2012 and under the auspices of UNAIDS, the Commission brought together more than 20 independent experts from academia, human rights institutions, civil society, representatives of security forces, the UN and the IACHR to discuss issues around “violence and impunity against lesbians, gays, trans, bisexual and intersex people”.

The expert meeting was the second of six meetings that will contribute to the first ever Hemispheric Report on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity. Marcela Romero from REDLACTRANS participated in the meeting and highlighted that “trans people, trans women and men in the Americas face social exclusion that keeps them away from health care, employment and justice, increasing their vulnerability to HIV and human rights violations.”

In 2013, the Commission will evaluate the unit's work and will decide whether to create an Office of the Rapporteur on the Rights of LGBTI Persons.

(L to R): UNDP Administrator Helen Clark, Prime Minister John Key and UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé.

UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé and UNDP Administrator Helen Clark praised New Zealand as a model for the AIDS response in a joint meeting on 6 March with the country’s Prime Minister, John Key.

New Zealand implemented early evidence-based programmes to ensure that vulnerable populations receive priority attention and support that was essential to control the spread of HIV. In 1987, New Zealand was among the first countries to introduce needle—syringe programmes for people who use drugs. It was also a regional pioneer in decriminalizing sex work (2003) and sex between men (1986). These programmes and reforms are widely credited with having prevented the spread of HIV among populations at high risk of infection in New Zealand. Nationally, HIV prevalence remains low, with about 0.1% of the population living with HIV.

During the meeting, Mr Sidibé urged Prime Minister Key to champion the UNAIDS vision of vision of Zero new HIV infections, Zero discrimination and Zero AIDS-related deaths in the Pacific region. "You have already made so much progress. Drawing on this experience, New Zealand can be the first country in the Pacific region to show that getting to Zero is possible,” said the UNAIDS Executive Director.

The UNDP Administrator warned of the need for continued vigilance in the HIV response, even in low prevalence countries like New Zealand. “We can never relax—this is a deadly disease, and there is no cure,” said Ms Clark. “If you are complacent, HIV prevalence rates can take off.”

Throughout the three-day mission to New Zealand, Mr Sidibé and Ms Clark encouraged senior government officials to lift travel restrictions for seasonal workers visiting New Zealand. “HIV-related travel restrictions have no public health rationale and are at odds with New Zealand’s outstanding record on HIV and human rights,” said Mr Sidibé.

Official opening of centre for women living with HIV

On the eve of International Women’s Day, and as part of their official visit to New Zealand, Mr Sidibé and Ms Clark opened Positive Women Inc’s new premises and community house in Auckland for women living with HIV. The organization aims to raise awareness of HIV in the community through educational programmes, with a particular focus on HIV prevention and de-stigmatisation.

Co-founders of Positive Women Inc. Judith Ackroyd (far left) and Suzy Morrison (far right) with UNDP Administrator Helen Clark, National Coordinator for Positive Women and Asia Pacific UNAIDS PCB NGO Delegate, Jane Bruning (centre) and UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé.

"It is an honour for me to join you in the opening of this impressive community house. Your efforts to support and empower women living with HIV are a true testament of your commitment to the AIDS response," said Mr Sidibé.  "Women are critical agents of change and that by harnessing our collective strengths, we can end this epidemic."

The community house has been designed as a safe and welcoming space for women living with HIV and their families. It offers weekly member lunches, a relaxation lounge, a computer corner and printing facilities. Members are encouraged to organize knitting circles and conversation groups with their peers.  An on-site social worker attends to the social and psychosocial needs of women and their families.

“Women represent the invisible face of the AIDS epidemic,” said Jane Bruning, National Coordinator of Positive Women Inc. “These are women who run households, cook dinner, have jobs and raise families. They are the ones keeping everything together. So to be able to offer them a place to come for advice or just a chat and a cup of tea is extremely important.”

(From left to right): UNDP Administrator Helen Clark; Chief Executive and Secretary of New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, John Allen; UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé; and Amanda Ellis, Deputy Secretary, International Development Group.
Credit: UNAIDS

The Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Helen Clark, and the Executive Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), Michel Sidibé, began a three day mission in New Zealand—the first joint mission by the two UN leaders in this Pacific country.

Highlighting the importance of continued vigilance in the AIDS response, Ms Clark and Mr Sidibé emphasized the leadership demonstrated by New Zealand in the HIV response and called on New Zealand to continue to play a strong role to achieve the targets of the 2011 UN Political Declaration on AIDS.

“I commend New Zealand for taking early, decisive action to keep the AIDS epidemic under control,” said Mr Sidibé in an address to staff at New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. “New Zealand can be the first country in the Pacific region to reach the UNAIDS vision of Zero new HIV infections, Zero discrimination and Zero AIDS-related deaths,” he added.

Speaking at the Beehive Theatrette in the New Zealand Parliament, Ms Clark emphasized the link between HIV and core issues of human development. “The world is making progress but we cannot end this epidemic if we keep AIDS in isolation,” said Ms Clark. “We must help countries to address the underlying drivers, like poverty and gender inequality, that put people at risk for HIV.”

The New Zealand mission includes meetings in Wellington with Prime Minister John Key and other high-level government officials, such as the Minister of Women’s Affairs and the Associate Minister of Health, Honourable Jo Goodhew, Minister of Pacific Island Affairs and Education, Honourable Hekia Perata, and Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, John Allen.

UNDP Administrator Helen Clark and UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé join Tane Waetford, Policy Officer, Asia Regional Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (far left) and Martin Wikaira, Director, Maori Policy Unit, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (far right) at a Powhiri greeting ceremony in Wellington, New Zealand, on 5 March.
Credit: UNAIDS

While in Auckland, Ms Clark and Mr Sidibé will visit the New Zealand AIDS Foundation, where they will meet representatives of civil society, people living with HIV and other partners involved in the AIDS response. On the occasion of 8 March, International Women’s Day, Ms Clark and Mr Sidibé will open new offices for Positive Women Inc.—a support organisation for women and families living with HIV and AIDS.

New Zealand is recognized for having taken early domestic measures to protect the health and human rights of vulnerable populations. In 1987, New Zealand was among the first countries to introduce needle—syringe programmes for people who use drugs, and in 2003, New Zealand decriminalized sex work. These initiatives were essential to prevent the spread of HIV among key populations. Nationally, HIV prevalence remains low at 0.1% of the population.

New Zealand also provides critical international leadership in the HIV response, with a strong focus on AIDS in the Pacific Island States—particularly in Papua New Guinea, which has the largest epidemic in Oceania.

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon speaking at the 18th annual meeting of the African Union. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Credit: UNAIDS/J.Ose

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stressed the need to anchor Africa’s development to the respect for human rights. “The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a promise to all people in all places at all times,” said Mr Ban at the 18^th annual meeting of the African Union.

Mr Ban noted that discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity is one of the injustices that has been ignored or even sanctioned by many States. “This has prompted some governments to treat people as second-class citizens, or even criminals. Confronting this discrimination is a challenge. But we must live up to the ideals of the Universal Declaration,” said Mr Ban.

Currently, an estimated 76 countries and areas worldwide have laws that criminalize same-sex sexual relations between consenting adults––five impose the death penalty. UNAIDS considers the criminalization of people based on their sexual orientation a denial of human rights and a threat to public health in the context of the HIV response. Such discriminatory laws drive people underground and create obstacles for people accessing HIV services.

Countries such as the US and UK have already modified their provision of foreign aid to ensure that the rights of sexual minorities are being respected. These countries will use their assistance to protect human rights and advance non-discrimination, and will work with international organizations to end discrimination against gays and lesbians.

In 2009 the Delhi High Court overturned a law that criminalized consensual adult sexual behaviour. This stand was also supported by the Government of India in its affidavit filed with the Supreme Court. But not all countries are following India’s approach.

In June 2010, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with the support of the UNAIDS Secretariat, launched the Global Commission on HIV and the Law. The Commission’s aim is to increase understanding of the impact of the legal environment on national HIV responses. Its aim is to focus on how laws and law enforcement can support, rather than block, effective HIV responses.

UNAIDS urges all governments to ensure full respect for the human rights of men who have sex with men, lesbians and transgendered people through repealing laws that prohibit sexual acts between consenting adults in private; enforcing laws to protect these groups from violence and discrimination; promoting campaigns that address homophobia and transphobia; and ensuring that crucial health needs are met.

Dr Paul De Lay at the MDGs Follow-up Meeting
Credit: UNAIDS

The Government of Japan, along with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the World Bank and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), convened a follow-up meeting on 2-3 June 2011 in Tokyo to discuss the outcomes of the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Summit that took place in September 2010.

With less than five years remaining before 2015, the target year for achieving the MDGs, the meeting brought together high level delegations from more than 100 countries and international organizations, and provided a unique opportunity to exchange knowledge, as well as to discuss more effective measures to strengthen coordination among a broad range of stakeholders.

The meeting was opened by H.E. Prime Minister Kan, who expressed deep appreciation for the solidarity shown by the international community in the wake of the unprecedented earthquakes and tsunami on 11 March 2011. Mr Kan also assured the audience that Japan remains committed to the achievement of MDGs.

Mr Takeaki Matsumoto, Japan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, underlined this commitment saying, “Japan remains fully dedicated to carrying out faithfully the international commitments it has expressed in the past to achieving the MDGs.”

UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director, Programme, Paul De Lay took part in the meeting and also participated in one of the several side events, titled Preparing the health systems for the challenges beyond MDGs.

“UNAIDS has called for taking HIV out of isolation. At the High Level Meeting on AIDS next week, one of the major themes will be “integration”, including exploring synergies between HIV programmes and preventing and caring for non-communicable diseases,” said Dr De Lay.

The event, moderated by Dr Suwit Wibulpolprasert, Senior Advisor on Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand, included presentations from Michel D. Kazatchkine, Executive Director, The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria; Dr Mickey Chopra, Chief, Health Section, Program Division, UNICEF; and Dr Kenji Shibuya, Professor and Chair, Department of Global Health Policy Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo.

Coming just days before the UN High Level Meeting on AIDS in New York, the meeting enabled participants to exchange their good practices and also learn from others about projects and programmes focused on hard-to-reach regions and groups. Participants also discussed the “way forward” beyond 2015, using lessons learned in the decade under the current MDGs.

During his visit to Japan Dr De Lay also met with Dr Masato Mugitani, Assistant Minister for Global Health, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and Mr Masaya Fujiwara, Deputy Director-General for Global Issues of the International Cooperation Bureau, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss Japan’s active participation in the UN High Level Meeting, especially regarding prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Dr DeLay also met with civil society representatives who will attend the General Assembly event.