UN Secretary-General outlines new recommendations to reach 2015 goals for AIDS response
In lead-up to June High Level Meeting, progress report presents overview of efforts needed to help countries achieve
universal access to HIV services and zero new HIV infections, discrimination and AIDS-related deaths
NAIROBI, 31 March 2011-Thirty years into the AIDS epidemic, investments in the AIDS response are yielding results,
according to a new report released today by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. Titled Uniting for universal
access: towards zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths, the report highlights that
the global rate of new HIV infections is declining, treatment access is expanding and the world has made significant
strides in reducing HIV transmission from mother to child.
Between 2001 and 2009, the rate of new HIV infections in 33 countries-including 22 in sub-Saharan Africa-fell by at
least 25%. By the end of 2010, more than 6 million people were on antiretroviral treatment in low- and middle-income
countries. And for the first time, in 2009, global coverage of services to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV
exceeded 50%.
But despite the recent achievements, the report underscores that the gains are fragile. For every person who starts
antiretroviral treatment, two people become newly infected with HIV. Every day 7 000 people are newly infected,
including 1 000 children. Weak national infrastructures, financing shortfalls and discrimination against vulnerable
populations are among the factors that continue to impede access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support
services.
The Secretary-General's report, based on data submitted by 182 countries, provides five key recommendations that will be
reviewed by global leaders at a UN General Assembly High Level Meeting on AIDS, 8-10 June 2011.
"World leaders have a unique opportunity at this critical moment to evaluate achievements and gaps in the global AIDS
response," said Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at the press briefing in the Kenyan capital. "We must take bold decisions
that will dramatically transform the AIDS response and help us move towards an HIV-free generation."
"Thirty years into the epidemic, it is imperative for us to re-energise the response today for success in the years
ahead," said UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé, who joined Mr Ban for the launch of the report. "Gains in HIV
prevention and antiretroviral treatment are significant, but we need to do more to stop people from becoming infected-an
HIV prevention revolution is needed now more than ever."
Rebecca Auma Awiti, a mother living with HIV and field coordinator with the non-governmental organization Women Fighting
AIDS in Kenya told her story at the press conference. "Thanks to the universal access movement, my three children were
born HIV-free and I am able to see them grow up because of treatment access," she said.
ENDS