UNAIDS - 6 November 2009

To explore the issue WHO earlier this week convened a meeting to review the scientific data available on the use of ART for prevention and also explored the implications of this approach for individuals and communities as well as take into consideration human rights and ethical and public health implications.

Participating in the meeting, UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director, Dr Paul De Lay, provided closing reflections. Dr De Lay said the meeting had raised the hard fact that many people living with HIV - including many who need treatment today - are unable to access HIV testing and counseling and to initiate timely treatment, as a result of a range of social, cultural and economic barriers.

Dr De Lay congratulated the participants in their effort to identifying scientifically sound and innovative ways to accelerate progress toward universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support, and maximizing the effects of ART both for extending full and productive life for people with HIV, and also for primary prevention.

"These are exciting and challenging times. The diverse perspectives heard in this meeting reflect the best of the AIDS response, and continuing this dialogue - this committed questioning and the research agenda coming from this meeting - will undoubtedly lead to more lives saved and fewer new infections" continued Dr De Lay.

UNAIDS strongly recommend a comprehensive approach to HIV prevention that plans and delivers an evidence informed and human rights based combination of programmes and policies, tailored to meet the needs of those most at risk, and including practical programmes to reduce underlying causes of vulnerability, such as gender inequality and HIV related stigma and discrimination.

Antiretroviral therapy will play several roles in combination prevention strategies, along with other key strategies including, but not limited to, social and behavioral change communication to delay sexual debut, promote mutual fidelity and reduction of the number of sexual partners, promote safer sex including correct and consistent male and female condom use, harm reduction programmes for people who use drugs, prevention of vertical transmission, and other biomedical, behavioural and structural prevention programmes.

The WHO hosted antiretroviral treatment (ART) for Prevention was held in Geneva from the 2 to the 4 of November, 2009.

Resources:

Related information:

HIV treatment - http://www.unaids.org/en/PolicyAndPractice/HIVTreatment/default.a sp

HIV prevention - http://www.unaids.org/en/PolicyAndPractice/Prevention/default.asp

Cosponsors:

World Health Organization - http://www.who.int/hiv/topics/treatment/en/index.html

Press centre:

Antiretroviral therapy and sexual transmission of HIV - http://data.unaids.org/pub/PressStatement/2008/080201_hivtransmis sion_en.pdf

Publications:

Intensifying HIV Prevention: UNAIDS Policy Position Paper (2005) (pdf, 3.80 Mb.) - http://data.unaids.org/publications/irc-pub06/jc1165-intensif_hiv -newstyle_en.pdf

Practical Guidelines for Intensifying HIV Prevention (2007) (pdf, 1.67 Mb.) - http://data.unaids.org/pub/Manual/2007/20070306_Prevention_Guidel ines_Towards_Universal_Access_en.pdf

091106
UN091103

Copyright © 2009 - Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). All rights reserved. UNAIDS articles, which are not formal publications of UNAIDS, may be freely reviewed, quoted, reproduced or translated, in part or in full, provided the source is acknowledged. The documents may not be sold or used in conjunction with commercial purposes without prior written approval from UNAIDS (contact: UNAIDS Information Centre).

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2009. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 2009. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .