On 28 May, Deputy Executive Director of UNAIDS Luiz Loures visited Finland to identify avenues for cooperation to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030.
During his visit he met with representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Social Affairs and Health and with members of parliament to discuss how collective investments in the AIDS response have yielded impressive results and how they can be leveraged to reach people being left behind.
Mr Loures noted that all populations are not being reached equally. AIDS-related illnesses remain the number one cause of death among women of reproductive age and new HIV infections among young women and vulnerable groups remain high. Fifteen countries account for 75% of new HIV infections globally, including four of Finland’s seven long-term partner countries.
He also highlighted the need for innovative approaches to bring the benefits of science closer to communities, using data and mobile technology to better target public health investments, and expanding prevention efforts to social media to reach young people.
During his meetings, Mr Loures outlined the UNAIDS Strategy, currently being reviewed by the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board, which aims to break the trajectory of new HIV infections and sets forth a plan to Fast-Track the end of the AIDS epidemic as a public health threat. He also highlighted how UNAIDS’ work extends beyond the health sector to address issues of human rights, gender equality and building inclusive societies, areas that are at the core of Finland’s priorities.
Mr Loures praised Finland’s model of economic growth and social development and said it was a model that other countries could follow. Pekka Puustinen, Director-General of the Finnish Department of Development Policy, emphasized that Finland remains committed to peace and security and that UNAIDS’ work in addressing human rights, stigma and discrimination contributes to more stable societies. Through its participation in the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board, Finland continues to use its experience to influence global policy on health, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and development.
As part of the visit, Mr Loures also met with faith-based and other community organizations providing services to people living with and at risk of acquiring HIV living in Finland to learn from their experiences.
