HIV treated as other chronic conditions in immigration health assessment.

GENEVA, 10 July 2014—UNAIDS welcomes confirmation from the Government of Australia that people living with HIV do not face an automatic exclusion, or unequal treatment when applying for entry, stay or residence visas. People living with HIV are treated similarly to other people with chronic health conditions and disabilities during the country’s immigration health assessment process. Applications for visas from people living with HIV will be assessed against criteria applying to anyone with a chronic health condition.

The announcement came ahead of the 20th International AIDS Conference, which will take place in Melbourne, Australia, from 20 to 25 July 2014.

“People living with HIV need equal opportunity to contribute to and benefit from today’s globalized world, where migration is increasingly important. Eliminating travel restrictions is not only a human right for individuals, it improves business prospects for communities,” said the Executive Director of UNAIDS, Michel Sidibé.

UNAIDS advocates for the right to equal freedom of movement, regardless of HIV status. There is no evidence that restrictions on the entry, stay or residence of people living with HIV protect the public’s health. In 2012, more than 40 chief executives from some of the world’s largest companies signed a pledge opposing HIV restrictions, calling them discriminatory and bad for business.

As part of its ongoing dialogue with countries on this issue, UNAIDS has sent communications to all countries, territories and areas that appear to have HIV-related entry, stay and residence restrictions, and has raised the issue during official high-level visits. Australia has made important reforms to its migration health assessment requirements and procedures since the conclusion of a parliamentary inquiry on migration and disability in 2010, including an annual increase to the “significant cost threshold”, the elimination of the cost assessment related to health services for humanitarian visa applicants and improvements to increase the transparency of the health assessment process. These reforms were assessed against the criteria outlined by the International Task Team on HIV-related Travel Restrictions, co-chaired by the Government of Norway and UNAIDS,  and it was concluded that Australia had met the task team’s standard.

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 to maximize results for the AIDS response. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

MELBOURNE/GENEVA, 18 July 2014—UNAIDS expresses deep sadness over the loss of life of the passengers and crew of flight MH17, which crashed over eastern Ukraine on Thursday, 17 July 2014.

While the full details are still unclear, it is believed that many of the passengers were on their way to participate in the International AIDS Conference in Melbourne, Australia. It has been confirmed that the United Nations has lost a colleague from the World Health Organization.

It seems that some of the finest academics, health-care workers and activists in the AIDS response may have perished while travelling to take part in the international gathering of experts and advocates. Professor Joep Lange, the former President of the International AIDS Society, was among the victims. Professor Lange was a leading light in the field since the early days of HIV and worked unceasingly to widen access to antiretroviral medicines around the world.

“We are bracing ourselves to hear of the deaths of others who worked in the AIDS response as their names are officially released,” said Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “The UNAIDS family is in deep shock. Our hearts go out to the families of all the victims of this tragic crash. The deaths of so many committed people working against HIV will be a great loss for the AIDS response.”

The UNAIDS family stands in solidarity with the families, friends and colleagues of all who have perished in this tragedy. 

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 to maximize results for the AIDS response. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

GENEVA, 18 May 2014—On HIV Vaccine Awareness Day UNAIDS is urging for global efforts to be stepped up to find an effective HIV vaccine and accelerate progress towards ending the AIDS epidemic.

“Although great strides have been made in preventing new HIV infections alongside expanding access to treatment, we still don’t have an effective HIV vaccine,” said UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé. “Finding a vaccine for HIV will be the push we need to achieve zero new HIV infections.”

There have been important breakthroughs in vaccine research in recent years. The RV144 trial, conducted in Thailand and reported in 2009, showed that a vaccine could lower the rate of HIV infection by 31% and provided important clues as to how a more effective vaccine might work. Follow-on studies are now aiming to increase the level and durability of protection.

Recent advances in understanding how the virus behaves, and how the immune system responds, have greatly increased the likelihood of finding an effective vaccine. For example, vaccine trials in monkeys have prevented and cleared HIV infection. Ensuring sustained funding for HIV vaccine research will help to transform promising concepts into effective and affordable HIV vaccines.

“Research is bringing us closer to a vaccine every day, thanks to the tenacity of scientists and support from many donors and communities,” said Margie McGlynn, President and Chief Executive Officer of the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative. “Only with sustained commitment can we all continue to build on these promising efforts to develop a rich pipeline of vaccine candidates.”

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 to maximize results for the AIDS response. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

Message from UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé

GENEVA, 17 May 2014—“To be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”

Nelson Mandela reminds us that the dignity of each of us can only thrive if we embrace the freedom of all.

We must respect everyone’s freedom to love who they want to and to express who they are. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people have shown immense courage and are sparking a social transformation.

Criminalization of LGBTI people puts entire communities at risk. It keeps those in need of prevention and treatment services out of reach of life-saving interventions.

It is outrageous that in 2014, when we have everything we need to defeat AIDS, we are still fighting prejudice, stigma, active discrimination and homophobic laws in 78 countries around the world.

Not just in the streets, but in courtrooms, classrooms and clinics.

Stigma and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity drive new HIV infections.

We can only be free when we respect the freedom of our LGBTI brothers and sisters.

Let us walk the road to freedom together.

On this International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia, I call on everyone to join the transformation to realize our 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 to maximize results for the AIDS response. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

GENEVA, 3 April 2014—The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) congratulates Dr Deborah Birx on her confirmation as Ambassador at Large and Coordinator of US Government Activities to Combat HIV/AIDS Globally, leading the US Government’s international HIV efforts.

Ambassador Birx is a highly respected leader in the field of HIV and until her appointment as Coordinator served as the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division of Global HIV/AIDS.

“Ambassador Birx is widely recognized for her passion and commitment to the AIDS response and has already made a huge impact during her sterling career,” said Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “PEPFAR is a key partner of UNAIDS and I am confident that under Ambassador Birx’s visionary leadership PEPFAR will continue its extraordinary success in preventing new HIV infections and expanding access to treatment.”

Having received widespread recognition for her work in AIDS vaccine research, Ambassador Birx was awarded the US Meritorious Service Medal for her significant contribution to the field. She also played an instrumental role as the Director of the US Military HIV Research Program and as the Director of the Division of Retrovirology at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research from 1996 to 2005.

UNAIDS and PEPFAR are longstanding partners and have collaborated on many initiatives, including expanding access to treatment, stopping new HIV infections among children through the Global Plan towards the elimination of new HIV infections among children by 2015 and keeping their mothers alive, and ensuring a long-term, sustainable response to 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 to maximize results for the AIDS response. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

GENEVA, 28 March 2014—UNAIDS welcomes the recent lifting of all restrictions on entry, stay and residence for people living with HIV in Tajikistan. The amendments to the Law on HIV/AIDS were signed by the President of Tajikistan Emomalii Rahmon, on 14 March 2014.

Restrictions that limit an individual’s movement based solely on HIV-positive status are discriminatory and violate human rights. There is no evidence that such restrictions protect public health or prevent HIV transmission. Furthermore, HIV-related travel restrictions have no economic justification, as people living with HIV can lead long and productive working lives.

Tajikistan’s updated law removes mandatory HIV testing for all foreigners, including the personnel of foreign missions, refugees and stateless people. With these changes, all HIV-related restrictions on entry, stay and residence are eliminated in Tajikistan. UNAIDS will continue to work with Tajikistan to support a comprehensive and human rights-based response to the HIV epidemic.

With the removal of Tajikistan’s restrictions, UNAIDS counts 40 countries, territories, and areas that impose some form of restriction on the entry, stay and residence based on HIV status. 

GENEVA, 24 March 2014—On World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, UNAIDS is making an urgent call for global efforts to be stepped up to ensure earlier testing and treatment of TB and HIV. TB remains a leading cause of death among people living with HIV. In 2012, there were an estimated 1.1 million new cases of TB among people living with HIV—with 75% of new cases occurring among people living in Africa.

The dual impact of TB and HIV is devastating for millions of people and their families. This is unacceptable as TB is both preventable and curable. By expanding access to basic TB prevention for people living with HIV, the target of reducing TB deaths in people living with HIV by 50% can be reached by 2015.

Scientific studies have shown that early HIV diagnosis and access to treatment for HIV can reduce a person’s risk of TB by 65%. When treatment of TB is combined with ART, the risk of TB disease can be reduced by around 90%.

People in high-burden settings should have the opportunity to learn their HIV status and start treatment early in order to prevent active TB disease. If people living with HIV develop active TB disease then immediate ART can reduce their chance of dying by around 50%. Unfortunately, despite what is known about the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of both HIV and TB, millions of people often discover too late that they have HIV and TB.

UNAIDS launched Treatment 2015 to expand access to HIV treatment, which is important to both HIV and TB prevention efforts. UNAIDS is calling for an innovative, integrated effort to prevent HIV and TB—working together to increase resources and reach everyone living with HIV with key TB prevention interventions, including earlier access to HIV and TB testing and treatment.

UNAIDS is working closely with countries, donors and partners, including the Stop TB Partnership, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, to produce sustainable solutions to fully integrate and deliver critical HIV and TB services.

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 to maximize results for the AIDS response. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

Message from UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé on International Women’s Day

GENEVA, 8 March 2014—We know well that it is our mothers, wives, sisters and daughters who make it happen. Women around the world are running countries, businesses and raising children. In the AIDS response, it is more likely to be women who care for the sick. It is women who care for their families and communities and it is women who look after the most vulnerable in society.

“Women make it happen, but it doesn’t always happen for women.” Women face many forms of discrimination.

It is also women who suffer violence at the hands of their partners, are more likely to become infected with HIV and are marginalized in many societies. One out of three women is physically or sexually abused by a partner in her lifetime. Every hour, 50 young women are newly infected with HIV. Half of all people living with HIV in low- and middle-income countries are women––and new HIV infections among women are on the rise in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East and North Africa.

Women must be free to make decisions about their health, lives and futures. On this International Women’s Day, let’s all stand up for women, together we can make it happen. 

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 to maximize results for the AIDS response. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

Statement from Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS

GENEVA, 28 February 2014—On the eve of Zero Discrimination Day, 1 March, I am deeply concerned about the growing wave of punitive approaches and laws in different countries. Laws which risk undermining the rights to health and non-discrimination, as well as access to life-saving services for key populations, including people living with HIV, women, men who have sex with men, sex workers, transgender people and people who use drugs.

When UNAIDS announced that 1 March 2014 would become the first Zero Discrimination Day, we could not have imagined the sadly ironic timing of this important day. For all who seek a more just world, for all who strive for peace and prosperity—we must demand an end to inequality, discrimination and violence against people living with HIV, LGBT people, sex workers, people who use drugs and other vulnerable populations.

In recent days, leaders of the United Nations have called for an end to discrimination. In his recent address to the International Olympic Committee, the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said that hatred of any kind has no place in the 21st century and that we must raise our voices against attacks on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or intersex people.

UNAIDS has consistently highlighted that discrimination is a violation of human rights and a major barrier to an effective AIDS response. Yet many people living with HIV or vulnerable to it continue to face unfair treatment or unjustified criminalization.

UNAIDS deeply regrets that the international community is observing the first Zero Discrimination Day shortly after Nigeria and Uganda have enacted laws that further criminalize LGBT populations and people who support them. In December 2013, the Supreme Court of India re-criminalized adult consensual same-sex sexual conduct; and in June 2013, the Russian Federation passed a law prohibiting public information on sexual orientation and gender identity among minors.

Many other vulnerable groups also face punitive laws and illegal law enforcement—including sex workers and people who use drugs, whose daily lives are filled with discrimination, violence and abuse. In several countries in the world, people who use drugs, or are suspected of drug use, are detained without due process in detention centres where they are denied health care and face substandard conditions. People living with HIV continue to face high levels of stigma and discrimination, being denied health care, education, employment, housing and freedom of movement based on their HIV status. Such discrimination and punitive approaches pose huge setbacks to both health and development.

Discrimination has many forms, often disproportionately affecting women. Statistics show that globally, one in three women will face gender-based violence. In only four out of ten countries worldwide do equal numbers of girls and boys attend secondary school, and women are 10% less likely to be literate than men. 

The AIDS response has provided valuable lessons in human value and dignity, inclusion and participation. It has also taught us that discrimination can be deadly; that punitive laws foster hate, fear and violence and consistently put HIV prevention and treatment services out of reach for people who need them the most. The global AIDS response has shown that only by turning discrimination and denial into protection and acceptance, can society reach out to underserved groups and ensure they can access the services for their health and live productive lives of dignity––this in turn contributes to human security and global development.

On this eve of Zero Discrimination Day, I have been moved and inspired to see people from all walks of life answer the call for zero discrimination. People living with and affected by HIV and human rights defenders are on the front lines—and lawmakers, business leaders, activists, celebrities and young people are joining together to promote a different kind of world where no one has to fear discrimination or violence because of who they are, how they live their lives or whom they love.

On Zero Discrimination Day, I ask you to speak up if someone is discriminated against or threatened––to raise awareness and to celebrate diversity. Everyone, everywhere, has a right to their dignity, security, health and dreams.

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 to maximize results for the AIDS response. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

If signed into law the controversial bill would toughen punishments against gay people in Uganda

GENEVA, 18 February 2014—UNAIDS is deeply concerned about a bill in Uganda that would further toughen punishments against gay men.

The controversial bill, which was passed by the country’s parliament in December 2013, calls for a 14-year jail term for a first conviction, and imprisonment for life for the offence of ‘aggravated homosexuality’. The signing of the bill into law would have serious human rights implications.

“Uganda was the first country in Africa to break the conspiracy of silence on AIDS—and to give voice to the most marginalized—but now I am scared that this bill will take Uganda backwards, relinquishing its leadership role in the AIDS response,” said Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “I strongly urge the Ugandan authorities to reject the bill and ensure the human rights and dignity of all people in Uganda.”

The bill also has public health implications; studies show that when gay people face discrimination including abuse, incarceration and prosecution—they are less likely to seek HIV testing, prevention and treatment services.

In 2012, there were 1.5 million people living with HIV in Uganda and 140 000 new HIV infections. Globally gay men are around 13 times more likely to become infected with HIV than the general population, emphasizing the urgent need to ensure safe access to HIV prevention and treatment services for all people everywhere.

UNAIDS urges the government of Uganda, and all governments around the world, to protect the human rights of lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender people through repealing criminal laws against adult consensual same sex sexual conduct; implementing laws to protect people from violence and discrimination; promoting campaigns that address homophobia and transphobia; and ensuring access to health services including HIV prevention, treatment, care and support services.

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 to maximize results for the AIDS response. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.