International response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic: planning for success
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Authors
Piot, P.;Coll Seck, A. M.;
Issue Date
2001
Type
Journal / periodical articles
Language
Keywords
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome/prevention and control; HIV infections/prevention and control;
International cooperation; United Nations; Intersectoral cooperation; Socioeconomic factors; Social support;
Politics; Anti-HIV agents/supply and distribution/economics; Prejudice
Alternative Title
Abstract
Description
More assertive political leadership in the global response to AIDS in both poor and rich countries
culminated in June 2001 at the UN General Assembly Special Session on AIDS. Delegates made important
commitments there, and endorsed a global strategy framework for shifting the dynamics of the epidemic by
simultaneously reducing risk, vulnerability and impact. This points the way to achievable progress in the fight
against HIV/AIDS. Evidence of success in tackling the spread of AIDS comes from diverse programme areas,
including work with sex workers and clients, injecting drug users, and young people. It also comes from diverse
countries, including India, the Russian Federation, Senegal, Thailand, the United Republic of Tanzania, and
Zambia. Their common feature is the combination of focused approaches with attention to the societywide context
within which risk occurs. Similarly, building synergies between prevention and care has underpinned success in
Brazil and holds great potential for sub-Saharan Africa, where 90% reductions have been achieved in the prices at
which antiretroviral drugs are available. Success also involves overcoming stigma, which undermines community
action and blocks access to services. Work against stigma and discrimination has been effectively carried out in both
health sector and occupational settings. Accompanying attention to the conditions for success against HIV/AIDS is
global consensus on the need for additional resources. The detailed estimate of required AIDS spending in low- and
middle-income countries is US$ 9.2 billion annually, compared to the $ 2 billion currently spent. Additional
spending should be mobilized by the new global fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, but needs to be joined
by additional government and private efforts within countries, including from debt relief. Commitment and capacity
to scale up HIV prevention and care have never been stronger. The moment must be seized to prevent a global
catastrophe.
Citation
Publisher
WHO