GENEVA, 6 February 2019—UNAIDS welcomes the pledge by the President of the United States of America to stop HIV transmission in the country by 2030. The President made the announcement during his State of the Union Address to Congress on 5 February 2019.

“The United States of America’s steadfast commitment to the HIV response and its support to UNAIDS’ call to end AIDS by 2030 have saved millions of lives,” said Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “I commend the President’s commitment to end AIDS in the United States, which will require a response grounded in human rights to reach all people living with and at risk of HIV, including the most marginalized.”

UNAIDS estimates that around 1.2 million people were living with HIV in the United States in 2015. The epidemic is largely concentrated in urban environments and disproportionally affects gay men and other men who have sex with men and African American, Hispanic and Latino women and men, as well as people who use drugs.

“The contribution by the United States to the global response to HIV, made through support for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, has made a tremendous impact,” said Mr Sidibé. “Globally, new HIV infections among children have been reduced by 35% since 2010 and 22 million people are accessing antiretroviral therapy, saving millions of lives.”

Through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, the United States has invested more than US$ 80 billion in the global response to HIV since 2003. “Strong, continued support for the global response from the United States is required given there is a US$ 5 billion shortfall from the US$ 26 billion required for an effective response to HIV in 2020,” said Mr Sidibé.

UNAIDS looks forward to seeing the details of the new United States strategy on HIV and to continuing to work closely with the United States to end AIDS, both in the country and around the world.

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.

PANAMA CITY/GENEVA, 28 January 2019—During a visit to the Good Samaritan Foundation and Home for people living with HIV in Panama, Pope Francis has urged people not to discriminate against their neighbours. The Good Samaritan Foundation and Home, or Casa Hogar El Buen Samaritano, is currently home to 16 people living with HIV aged from 16 to 60 years. They were among the first to be greeted by His Holiness during his visit.

“The Good Samaritan, whether in the parable or in all of your homes, shows us that our neighbour is first of all a person, someone with a real, particular face, not something to avoid or ignore, whatever his or her situation may be,” said Pope Francis.

Pope Francis travelled to Panama from 23 to 27 January to celebrate World Youth Day with young people from across the world. The visit to Casa Hogar El Buen Samaritano took place on the final day of his visit. His Holiness said that the work of the home confirms people’s faith by “anointing wounds, renewing hope and encouraging faith.” 

For 15 years, Casa Hogar El Buen Samaritano has provided comprehensive care and treatment to help people living with HIV recover their health and dignity and reconnect with their communities and families. It also provides HIV prevention education for thousands of people, including young people in schools and young people who may be at risk of HIV.  

The First Lady of Panama and UNAIDS Special Ambassador for AIDS in Latin America, Lorena Castillo de Varela, joined the visit, as did the Executive Director of UNAIDS, Michel Sidibé.

“Casa Hogar El Buen Samaritano embraces all people, regardless of their health or HIV status,” said Mr Sidibé. “Faith organizations like Buen Samaritano have an amazing ability to touch the lives of the people who are most difficult to reach and to remove the barriers of stigma and discrimination. Faith communities speaking out about HIV can move us closer to ending the AIDS epidemic,” he added.

UNAIDS works closely with the Catholic Church and the Holy See on shared goals, such as eliminating new HIV infections among children and increasing access to paediatric testing and treatment. Zero discrimination is key to achieving those goals.

Globally, significant gaps remain in preventing, diagnosing and treating HIV among children. In 2017, there were 180 000 new HIV infections among children globally. Just half (52%) of infants exposed to HIV worldwide received early infant diagnostic tests within the first two months of life and only 52% of children living with HIV had access to treatment in 2017.

The Vatican has convened a high-level discussion, Scaling Up Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Children and Adolescents, bringing together leaders of major pharmaceutical companies, multilateral organizations, donors and governments. While there is still ground to cover, there have been positive results in accelerating paediatric diagnosis and treatment. UNAIDS is continuing to work with all partners, including the Vatican, to scale up HIV services for children.   

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.

GENEVA, 11 January 2019—UNAIDS warmly welcomes the appointment of Rico Gustav as the Executive Director of the Global Network of People Living with HIV (GNP+). GNP+ has been working for more than 30 years to ensure that the people most affected by HIV are heard and listened to as an integral part of the response to HIV. GNP+ is a much-valued partner of UNAIDS and its work is critical to ending AIDS.   

“Rico Gustav is an excellent advocate for people living with and affected by HIV and a strong voice for all populations that have been marginalized,” said Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “He is a trusted activist, a skilled leader and a compassionate human being.”

Mr Gustav is a longstanding health and development activist and a leading voice in the community response to HIV. He is also a former staff member of UNAIDS, having worked for the UNAIDS Country Office in Indonesia and for the UNAIDS Regional Support Team for Asia and the Pacific in Bangkok, Thailand, building and strengthening links between community networks and regional stakeholders.

UNAIDS looks forward to working closely with Mr Gustav and GNP+ in advocating for, and supporting fair and equal access to, HIV prevention, treatment, care and support services for people living with and affected by HIV.

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.

GENEVA, 14 January 2019—As the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (Global Fund) launches its sixth replenishment for its next three-year funding cycle, UNAIDS is urging donors to fully fund the Global Fund.

The Global Fund launched the summary of its Sixth Replenishment Investment Case in Paris, France, calling for US$ 14 billion to help save 16 million lives through programmes for HIV, tuberculosis and malaria. The Global Fund estimates that this will cut the mortality rate for the three diseases in half. Funding will also go to building stronger health systems.

“In July 2018, UNAIDS sounded the alarm—resources available for AIDS are not matching agreed political commitments and there is an annual shortfall of US$ 5 billion,” said Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “I welcome the Global Fund’s call to raise at least US$ 14 billion for AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria for the next three years and call on donors and domestic partners to dig even deeper to ensure that the global investment target of US$ 26.2 billion for the AIDS response is met by 2020, as it is a public health imperative. I am confident that the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, and partners will ensure that the Global Fund is fully funded and will keep the bar high to ensure that additional funds are raised.”

Investing in the Global Fund is vital. To date, the Global Fund estimates that it has ensured access to HIV treatment for 17.5 million people living with HIV, keeping them alive and well. Funds also support access to HIV services for key and marginalized populations, HIV prevention, programmes for adolescents and programmes for young women and girls, HIV/tuberculosis integration and coinfections.  

UNAIDS will continue to strengthen the long-established partnership with the Global Fund to maximize the impact of the investments, accelerate inclusive people-centred responses and end AIDS as public health threat. Joint work takes place across diverse sectors, enhancing human capital and strengthening systems to deliver sustainable results, save lives and leave no one behind.  

The full Global Fund Sixth Replenishment Investment Case will be presented and discussed by global health leaders at the Preparatory Meeting of the Global Fund Sixth Replenishment, hosted by the Government of India in New Delhi on 8 February 2019.

UNAIDS estimates that US$ 26.2 billion will be required for the AIDS response in 2020. In 2017, US$ 21.3 billion was available for the AIDS response in low- and middle-income countries. UNAIDS urges a scale-up in donor and domestic resources for HIV to fill the gap and end the HIV, tuberculosis and malaria epidemics by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. 

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.

Health is everyone’s concern. The world has been striving for access to quality and affordable health services since the Declaration of Alma-Ata, which called for health for all more than 40 years ago.

We have come a long way since then—improvements in access to, and the quality of, health-care services have increased life expectancy globally from 62 to 72 years. Yet progress is far from equal. Today, more than half of the world’s population do not have full access to essential health services, because they are unaffordable, inadequate, inaccessible for certain groups or simply unavailable.

There is increasing inequity around the world, with the richest 1% of the population now owning half of the world’s wealth. Life expectancy in the poorest countries of the world is appreciably lower than in the wealthiest, and living in areas blighted by poverty can mean a shorter life span and a lost future. The disparity is observed between countries and between different communities within countries, with the most vulnerable, marginalized and stigmatized being left behind.

Making progress towards universal health coverage that is truly universal means making progress towards equity, inclusion and social justice. It means a people-centred, human rights-based approach and community-led service delivery, as well as a recognition of the need to address the social determinants of health, including necessary reforms of laws and policies and removing stigma and discrimination and gender inequity.

The global response to HIV has illustrated the critical measures—decisive political leadership and commitment, community engagement and a response informed by scientific evidence—that can change the course of a global epidemic.

Reaching time-bound HIV prevention and treatment targets will make an important contribution to achieving the universal health coverage targets, and together will significantly accelerate progress towards realizing the Sustainable Development Goals.

In recognition of the theme of this year’s Universal Health Coverage Day, “Unite for universal health coverage: now is the time for collective action”, I call on everyone to embrace and contribute to the universal health coverage movement. United, we can make universal health coverage a reality for all.

12 December 2018
Michel Sidibé
Executive Director of 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.

GENEVA, 7 December 2018—UNAIDS condemns the rapes of 150 women and girls while collecting food for their families near Bentiu, a government-controlled area in South Sudan, during a 10-day period in November.

Echoing a statement made by the United Nations Special Representatives on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Pramila Patten, and for Children and Armed Conflict, Virginia Gamba, and the Special Advisor on the Prevention of Genocide, Adama Dieng, who spoke out against the rapes earlier this week, Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS, said, “No one should live in fear of sexual violence, no matter where they live. We must protect women and girls from one of the grossest human rights violations—rape. We must end gender-based violence for good.”

The world is commemorating the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence from 25 November until 10 December to highlight the commitments made to end all forms of gender-based violence. UNAIDS is committed to working with its partners to prevent and mitigate the effects of rape and other forms of gender-based violence.

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.

As we mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, we commemorate and renew our global commitment to ending violence against women and other forms of gender-based violence. 

Violence against women remains one of the most persistent violations of human rights across the globe, undermining the health, dignity, security and autonomy of women and girls. Women who have been physically or sexually abused by their partners report higher rates of mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, higher use of alcohol and less control over sexual decision-making.

There is an undeniable link between violence against women and HIV. Studies show clearly that women living with HIV are more likely to have experienced violence, and women who have experienced violence are more likely to be living with HIV. In some regions, women who experience physical or sexual intimate partner violence are 1.5 times more likely to acquire HIV than women who have not experienced violence. Among marginalized populations, a high prevalence of violence is linked to higher rates of HIV infection, in particular among transgender women.

Violence or the fear of violence can it make very difficult for women to insist on safer sex and to use and benefit from HIV and sexual and reproductive health services. The fear of intimate partner violence is also an important barrier to the uptake of HIV testing and counselling, to the disclosure of HIV-positive status and to treatment uptake and adherence, including among pregnant women living with HIV. Violence against women living with HIV also manifests in health-care settings—women have even reported being sterilized against their will. 

Programmes that empower women and girls through integrated approaches that transform social and cultural norms and promote and implement laws and policies on violence against women, gender equality and HIV are incredibly effective. The uptake of such programmes, combined with political will to promote gender equality and end discrimination against women, are critical to addressing violence against women. UNAIDS remains committed to continuing to act urgently against violence against women as a human rights imperative and as a cause and consequence of HIV.

On 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women kicks off the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, ending on 10 December, Human Rights Day. It is a time to commemorate and renew our commitment to ending violence against women and other forms of gender-based violence.

25 November 2018

Michel Sidibé

Executive Director of UNAIDS

Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations

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.

1 December 2018

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the first World AIDS Day. Thirty years of activism and solidarity under the banner of World AIDS Day. Thirty years of campaigning for universal access to life-saving services to treat and prevent HIV. But after 30 years, AIDS is still not over. We have miles to go.

World AIDS Day is a day to remember the millions of people who have lost their lives to AIDS-related illnesses, many of whom died because they couldn’t access HIV services, because of stigma, because of discrimination and because of criminalization of key populations.

On this World AIDS Day, UNAIDS is campaigning for people to know their HIV status and their viral load. In 2017, 9.4 million people were simply unaware that they are living with a potentially deadly, but treatable, disease. If people don’t know their HIV status, people who are living with HIV can’t start treatment, and people who are HIV-negative can’t get the knowledge and skills they need to keep that way. If people don’t know their HIV status, they can’t protect themselves, their families, their partners. If people living with HIV don’t know their viral load, they won’t be sure that the treatment is effective, protecting their health and stopping HIV transmission.

Live life positively. Know your HIV status.

Michel Sidibé

Executive Director of UNAIDS

Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations

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.

UNAIDS’ unwavering commitment praised by the President

GENEVA, 25 October 2018—The President of Botswana, Mokgweetsi E.K. Masisi, visited UNAIDS headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, on 25 October 2018 to share Botswana’s vision on a key public health concern: HIV.

The President met the Executive Director of UNAIDS, Michel Sidibé, and congratulated UNAIDS for leading the AIDS agenda with humility and professionalism. 

“We continue to count on your stewardship,” said Mr Masisi. “Botswana stands ready to sprint the last mile to end AIDS as a public health threat.”

Two decades ago, AIDS ravaged the small southern African nation of 2 million. Today, despite having one of the highest rates of HIV in the world – 23% of adults live with HIV- Botswana has shown remarkable progress. New HIV infections have been reduced by 63% since the peak in 1996 and AIDS-related deaths have decreased to 4100 from 15 000 in 2008. It was the first country in the region to provide universal, free antiretroviral treatment to people living with HIV, paving the way for many other countries in the region to follow.

Mr Sidibé described the President as an advocate for the region. “Mr Masisi is bringing new energy and impetus to the AIDS response in Botswana with a focus on HIV prevention,” said Mr Sidibé. The President participated in a moderated dialogue along with a high-level delegation that included the Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation and the Minister of Health and Wellbeing as well as the First Lady of Botswana. During the discussions, the President described Botswana’s financial investments in health, HIV and its people.  He highlighted that mother-to-child HIV transmission is on the verge of being eliminated and that more than 80% of people living with HIV are on treatment.

However, challenges remain. “When you disempower a young girl through violence or unwanted sexual experience, she is affected for life,” Mr Masisi said. In order to curtail new HIV infections, the President committed to redefining the roles and engagement of young boys and men. Mr Masisi and Mr Sidibé then recognized former President Festus Mogae’s long-standing efforts to turn the country around from despair to hope when Botswana faced the HIV crisis initially.  

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.

GENEVA, 19 September 2018—UNAIDS welcomes the decision by its third largest donor, the Netherlands, to increase its funding to UNAIDS by more than 20%. The Netherlands will provide US$ 23.3 million in core funding in 2018, compared to US$ 19.2 million in 2017. 

“I am encouraged by the Netherland’s firm commitment to UNAIDS and to the response to HIV. Despite tremendous progress, there are still miles to go to reach critical targets, and time is running out,” said Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “This increase in funding will help UNAIDS’ efforts in leading the response to push AIDS into permanent decline.” 

The funding agreement was signed in Geneva, Switzerland, by Mr Sidibé and Monique van Daalen, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Netherlands to the United Nations in Geneva. The increased contributions from the Netherlands will go towards supporting the implementation of UNAIDS’ 2016–2021 Strategy, which includes reducing new HIV infections to below 500 000 and ensuring that 30 million people living with HIV have access to life-saving antiretroviral therapy by 2020. 

“UNAIDS’ mandate is clear and specific, namely to end AIDS. UNAIDS’ leadership has been critical in achieving the progress we have seen to date,” said Ms van Daalen. “UNAIDS is an important knowledge centre and uses critical data and information, also on existing barriers, to advocate for a more effective AIDS response. Increased and consistent funding for UNAIDS will ensure that no one is left behind. UNAIDS’ focus on the most vulnerable groups is crucial.”

UNAIDS is funded entirely through voluntary contributions. Fully funding its work is critical to achieving UNAIDS’ vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths.

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.