XVII International AIDS Conference: From Evidence to Action ‐ Regional focus

Abstract

This article summarizes the challenges, opportunities and lessons learned from presentations, discussions and debates addressing major policy and programmatic responses to HIV in six geographical regions: Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Latin America, Caribbean, and Middle East and North Africa. It draws from AIDS 2008 Leadership and Community Programmes, particularly the six regional sessions, and Global Village activities.While the epidemiological, cultural and socio-economic contexts in these regions vary considerably, several common, overarching principles and themes emerged. They include: advancing basic human rights, particularly for vulnerable and most at risk populations; ensuring the sustainability of the HIV response through long-term, predictable financing; strengthening health systems; investing in strategic health information; and improving accountability and the involvement of civil society in the response to AIDS.Equally important is the need to address political barriers to implementing evidence-based interventions such as opioid substitution therapy (OST), needle and syringe programmes (NSPs), comprehensive sexuality education for youth, and sexual and reproductive rights. Finally, these regional discussions emphasized the need for legislative and policy reforms related to structural barriers facing women and girls, MSM, IDUs, sex workers and migrant populations.

XVII International AIDS Conference: From Evidence to Action ‐ Introduction

“…Information presented in this article is drawn primarily from the Leadership and Community Programmes, as well as related programme activities and affiliated events [ 6 ].…”

The quest for multi-sectoral HIV/AIDS prevention in Central and Eastern Europe and why it matters

“…With respect to the CEE region different countries with a heterogeneous epidemiological profile presented different challenges depending on their epidemic progression cure and the resilient nature of their economic, social and political systems [15]. When reviewing the progression of HIV/AIDS prevention strategies globally among lessons learned is how often prevention policies becomes the hostage of governments and politics.…”

“…The dual epidemic of TB/HIV with TB treatment showing more resistance is now a major health and economic and security threat in Russia and Ukraine as the entire communities often productive and young 15-49 years old to fall victim [35,36,15].…”

HIV in the Middle East and North Africa: priority, culture, and control

“…The diminished legal and social status of HRGs contributes to their vulnerability, and it is also a serious obstacle to assessing the real burden (Baijal and Kort 2009). HIV infection mainly affects these groups when prevalence is low in the general population (Mills 2000), and HIV control has been more effective when prevention targets these groups early (Mayaud and Mabey 2004).…”