UNAIDS

Thank you Congresswoman Barbara Lee for championing the HIV response and combatting stigma. Your dedication inspires us all to redouble our efforts to #endAIDS

Ensuring that everyone has equal access to essential services without fear, stigma or discrimination is essential to #endAIDS. This is only achievable when everyone's human rights are protected. #GlobalAIDSUpdate2024

That’s a wrap, at #AIDS2024! It’s been a week of powerful and inspiring discussions. Now it’s time to redouble our efforts to reach our goals by 2030. Thank you to the International AIDS Conference 2024, and all our partners for the excellent organization and ongoing commitment!

On the final days of #AIDS2024, UNAIDS continued its engagement in important discussions on the urgent actions needed to #endAIDS as a public health threat by 2030. UNAIDS Deputy Director Angeli Achrekar shared the importance of data-driven prevention programming: "By understanding it across populations and geographies, gaps and tailored solutions and care for men and boys can be identified." This message was echoed by UNAIDS Deputy Director Christine Stegling and Cindy Kelemi, CEO of Bonela, who highlighted that the findings from the #GlobalAIDSUpdate2024 shows the urgency to eliminate resurgence hotspots such as in the Philippines with its steep rise of new infections among gay men. Our Deputy Directors also met with faith actors to explore how faith-based communities can enhance their role in the HIV space, recognizing the wisdom and reach of faith leaders to marginalized populations. Addressing faith leaders, Angeli Achrekar said, “You’ve done incredible work since the epidemic began. We must sustain and build on these gains. Sustainability also means addressing major gaps affecting children through ongoing national dialogue.” The week ended with a strong call to action of UNAIDS to keep HIV response as a top priority, as, if we turn away, the epidemic will surge. Our job is unfinished, we need redouble our efforts.

Domestic resources have been the main pillar of HIV funding over the last decade, but alarmingly, we are witnessing a decline in domestic contributions for the 4th consecutive year, with a 6% decline in 2023. To #endAIDS, we need increased investment in the HIV response. https://lnkd.in/eNPXXRjx

Day 3 at #AIDS2024 kicked off with an important conversation on Anti-Racism and Decolonization in Global Health. Our Executive Director, Winnie Byanyima, mentioned that “health is shaped by inequities like racism, sexism, and capitalism. 75% of people living with HIV are Black or people of color.” She further asked the important question: "How can we fight and end it without addressing the elephant in the room: racism?", and explained how UNAIDS has transformed many aspects of its work through a feminist and anti-racist lens, stressing on “We’re building an inclusive, equitable workplace that welcomes diversity and have developed and adopted our Feminist Principles to guide this effort—a radical approach for a UN entity.” A major highlight was the launch of the Global Parliamentary Platform on HIV and AIDS. Over 370 Parliamentarians from more than 45 countries have already signed the Founding Declaration, pledging to work with communities, civil society, governments, institutions, and multilaterals to build the necessary democratic and political pressure for a more determined HIV response. The Platform is hosted by a Secretariat formed of the UNITE Parliamentarians Network for Global Health, the Global TB Caucus, and the Global Equality Caucus, and supported by the International AIDS Society, UNAIDS, STOPAIDS, and WACI Health. The platform will help restore political momentum behind what is not only achievable but also one of humanity’s greatest achievements of global solidarity: ending the global pandemic of HIV and AIDS. In a session co-organized by UNAIDS and PEPFAR on sustainability, Jaime Atienza Azcona, UNAIDS' Director Equitable Financing, noted that many countries in the Global South are burdened by high debt, causing significant suffering among their citizens. He stated that these countries should be relieved of debt distress to better care for their populations' welfare. UNAIDS delegation also reiterated the urgent need to identify and address the inequalities and disparities that prevent HIV programs from reaching communities and locations in need, and to turn the prevention crisis around. Read Statement: https://lnkd.in/g6XmxMh9 UNAIDS also hosted an IG Live with Winnie Byanyima on youth participation in decision-making. Watch it here: Instagram Live - https://lnkd.in/gBDKn9Q6 For ongoing updates, follow us on Twitter (X): https://lnkd.in/euvP5Bum

UNAIDS is delighted to announce the launch of the Global Parliamentarian Platform on HIV and AIDS (GPP) at #AIDS2024. Over 370 Parliamentarians from more than 45 countries have already signed the Founding Declaration, pledging to work with communities, civil society, governments, institutions, and multilaterals to build the necessary democratic and political pressure for a more determined HIV response. The Platform is hosted by a Secretariat formed of the UNITE Parliamentarians Network for Global Health, the Global TB Caucus, and the Global Equality Caucus, and supported by the International AIDS Society, UNAIDS, STOPAIDS, and WACI Health, and will provide the space, tools, and resources to unite, strengthen, and amplify the leadership of parliamentarians committed to ending AIDS and new HIV transmissions. By doing so, it will help restore political momentum behind what is not only achievable but also one of humanity’s greatest achievements of global solidarity: ending the global pandemic of HIV and AIDS.

Pank Sethi from Positive East shares his work, highlighting the stories of those impacted by the criminal justice system and people living with HIV. His powerful exhibition is featured at this year's #AIDS2024.

HIV prevention and treatment services can only reach those in need if human rights are upheld, unfair laws are abolished, discrimination and violence are tackled, funding is increased and ensuring equitable access to medicines and innovations. Read the latest #GlobalAIDSUpdate2024: https://lnkd.in/eNPXXRjx

Day 2 at #AIDS2024 continued with more inspiring moments and powerful discussions! UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director, Christine Stegling, met with Dr. Do Xuan Tuyen, Deputy Minister of Health of Viet Nam, praising the Government for covering 97% of antiretrovirals and advancing key programs to further #endAIDS as a public health threat. In various sessions, UNAIDS Deputy Executive Directors Angeli Achrekar and Christine Stegling stressed the urgent need to tackle social justice issues that affect women, girls and key populations, and to remove harmful punitive laws that worsen inequalities and harm marginalised communities. Aligned to the message of the new UNAIDS Global AIDS Update Report, they urged leaders to take a right path - that of strong political will, increased funding, tailored solutions and programs and that of solidarity, to accelerate efforts and ensure the sustainability of the HIV response. The role of community is especially critical at a time when civil society are facing challenges, such as shrinking spaces and funding. The NGO DELEGATION TO THE UNAIDS PCB held a discussion highlighting the importance of community leadership in the HIV response in designing and implementing programmes and policies that are tailored to the unique needs of individuals and communities living with and affected by HIV. Another session hosted by civil society organisations from Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia highlighted the challenges they faced, and urged for more coordinated efforts among communities, experts and governments.  UNAIDS also held an Instagram Live conversation with Paul Mavesere Ndhlovu, UN Youth Office's Young Leader for the SDGs, hosted by MTV Staying Alive Foundation’s Stephanie Ndlovu. Watch the conversation on Instagram in case you missed it! https://lnkd.in/gH_bVxHB  For ongoing updates, follow us on Twitter: https://x.com/UNAIDS