Virology

This new UNAIDS report contains the latest data on numbers of new HIV infections, numbers of people receiving antiretroviral treatment, AIDS-related deaths and HIV among children. It highlights new scientific opportunities and social progress which are bringing the world closer to UNAIDS vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths.

The report also gives an overview of international and domestic HIV investments and the need for greater value for money and sustainability.

Calling for global solidarity and shared responsibility, the UNAIDS report contains commentaries from global and community leaders as well as people living with and affected by HIV.

The global war on drugs is driving the HIV/AIDS pandemic among people who use drugs and their sexual partners. Throughout the world, research has consistently shown that repressive drug law enforcement practices force drug users away from public health services and into hidden environments where HIV risk becomes markedly elevated. Mass incarceration of non-violent drug offenders also plays a major role in increasing HIV risk. This is a critical public health issue in many countries, including the United States, where as many as 25 percent of Americans infected with HIV may pass through correctional facilities annually, and where disproportionate incarceration rates are among the key reasons for markedly higher HIV rates among African Americans.

This report draws on recently collected field data from numerous countries where the International HIV/AIDS Alliance operates to explain why the funding crisis requires urgent action on the part of Global Fund donors and all other stakeholders. The Alliance’s recommendations for responding to the crisis are based on our analysis of the implications of funding shortfalls in the following specific areas: HIV treatment; HIV prevention; care and support; services for key populations at higher risk of HIV infection; and efforts to create an enabling environment.

The Community based systems in HIV treatment (CoBaSys) programme aims to understand and support conditions for community empowerment in services providing treatment for people living with HIV in east and southern Africa (ESA). A community system for health is understood to be the sum of the organizations, local government structures, civil society organizations, institutions and resources whose primary purpose is to improve health at community and primary care level.

This report was prepared by the UNAIDS Advisory Group on HIV and Sex Work to complement the UNAIDS Guidance Note on HIV and Sex Work (2009). The Advisory Group includes representatives of organisations affiliated with the Global Network of Sex Work Projects, independent experts from academia and civil society organisations, representatives of UNAIDS Co-Sponsors and the Secretariat. The Advisory Group was constituted in 2009 by the Executive Director of UNAIDS to provide advice and guidance to UNAIDS on matters related to HIV and sex work, while paying particular attention to the human rights of female, male, and transgender sex workers and the goal of universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support for sex workers.

South Africa's Strategic Plan for AIDS, STIs and TB. The plan’s target is that by 2016 80% of people are on ARV treatment, that deaths from TB have been halved, and that new HIV infections are cut by 50%. This plan is unique, because millions of people’s lives depend on its successful implementation. Already there are over a million people on treatment. By the time the plan is complete that number must be three million.

There has been considerable progress across the world in responding to HIV and AIDS. Yet, the number of people newly infected with HIV continues to rise in many countries, and AIDS is still a leading cause of adult mortality. Treatment has become more widely available, but the costs for individuals and countries remain signifi cant, and the sustainability of treatment is a serious concern.

This year's Review looks at issues related to transformation such as legislation and financing of health care, human resources, and support systems for health care delivery. Other key public health issues covered in the Review include HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections, tuberculosis, malaria and nutrition. In addition the Review contains comprehensive information on key health and related indicators.