International HIV/AIDS Alliance calls for greater commitment to marginalised communities in global HIV response

For more information, photos or interviews contact:

Sarah Wheeler on: +44 1273 718949 / 07876 224987

swheeler@aidsalliance.org

Simon Moore on: +44 1273 718744

smoore@aidsalliance.org

As leaders gather in New York to review progress on tackling HIV the International HIV/AIDS Alliance today warned that the 2010 targets for universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support won’t be met unless concerted action is taken to meaningfully engage marginalised and vulnerable groups in the global HIV response.

“The concept of universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support clearly implies all people should have access to HIV related services. This means that we must address the needs of those most vulnerable to and those most affected by HIV such as sex workers, men who have sex with men and injecting drug users,” said Mandeep Dhaliwal, Head of Policy at the International HIV/AIDS Alliance.

With just two years to go till 2010, access to HIV services for these ‘key populations’ remains alarmingly low. Governments and health services in many parts of the world routinely ignore these groups in their HIV responses often because of stigma and discrimination. This is a violation of basic human rights – especially the right to health

In Eastern Europe and Asia many injecting drug users are often denied services, while transgender people and sex workers endure overt hostility from medical staff.

“These populations experience stigma and discrimination on many levels and these violations of fundamental rights are real barriers to achieving universal access, said Mandeep.

“People living with HIV and marginalised communities need supportive legal, policy and social environments in order to access HIV prevention, treatment and care and be protected by anti-discrimination laws that provide meaningful protection,” she said.

In Latin America and the Caribbean for example there are disturbing signs that the failure of many governments to address HIV epidemics in key populations – despite adequate resources to do so – has resulted in the epidemic spreading to other vulnerable groups such as homeless women and children, prisoners and indigenous people.

Juan Jacobo Hernandes Director of Colectivo Sol in Mexico and member of the Alliance works with key population groups. “Key populations must not only be involved in national responses but must be actively supported to take leadership roles. This requires direction and courage from governments and civil society to fund effective key population organisations if we are serious about tackling the HIV epidemic,” he said.

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Notes to Editor

  • The International HIV/AIDS Alliance (the Alliance) is a global partnership of nationally-based organizations working to support communities to reduce the spread of HIV and meet the challenge of AIDS. The Alliance provide support to organizations from more than 40 developing countries for over 3,000 projects, reaching some of the poorest and most vulnerable communities with HIV prevention, care, support and improves access to treatment. www.aidsalliance.org
  • The United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) on HIV/AIDS meets in New York on 10-11 June 2008. For information on the meeting, papers and programme details see: http://www.un.org/ga/aidsmeeting2008/
  • The UN and G8 agreed to targets to achieve universal access to HIV prevention, care and treatment by 2010.
  • The Alliance is holding a side event to which journalists are invited. “Marginalised communities: meeting 2010 targets for sex workers and drug users” is held on Monday 9 June, Conference Room D, United Nations Building 16h00-18h00.
  • In 2007 around 2.5 million people were newly infected with HIV and over 2 million people died of HIV-related illnesses.
  • Barely 1 in 4 people are accessing HIV treatment and 1 in 5 is accessing basic prevention services.
  • ‘Key populations’ are groups that are of higher risk of being infected of affected by HIV, or play a key role in how HIV spreads, such as sex workers, men who have sex with men and injecting drug users. Key populations vary according to local context.
  • Alliance spokespersons are attending the UN meeting and are available for interviews. Please contact: Sarah Wheeler +44 1273 718949 / +44 7876 224987 or Simon Moore +44 1273 718744.