Global HIV prevalence has levelled off; AIDS is among the leading causes of death globally and remains the primary cause of death in Africa

Improvements in surveillance increase understanding of the epidemic, resulting in substantial revisions to estimates

Geneva, 21 November 2007 - New data show global HIV prevalence-the percentage of people living with HIV-has levelled off and that the number of new infections has fallen, in part as a result of the impact of HIV programmes.

Read more here.

Vacancy at UNAIDS Philippines

UNAIDS announces the following vacancy.

Post – Country Coordinator, UNAIDS Country Office
Level of post – NOD
Type of contract – Fixed term
Location – Manila, Philippines
Duration – 2 years with possibility of extension (subject to the availability of funding)

UNAIDS is an equal opportunity employer – qualified women are encouraged to apply. Applications from people living with HIV are particularly welcome.

For further details and application guidelines, please visit www.undp.org.ph.

Applications should be sent by close of business on Friday, 30th November 2007, to
Mr Geoff Manthey, Operations Manager a.i. Regional Support Team, UNAIDS Regional Support Team for Asia and Pacific, Ninth Floor, A Block, United Nations Building,
Rajadamnern Nok Avenue, Pranakorn, Bangkok 10200 THAILAND;
Fax: +66 2 288 1092; Email – mantheyg@unaids.org

AIDS, poverty and human development

HIV strategies work best when there is a clear understanding of the relationship between AIDS, poverty and human development. In an article published in leading scientific magazine PLoS, UNAIDS examines this relationship and the often called ‘vicious circle’ within which the impacts of AIDS increase poverty and social deprivation, while socio-economic inequalities increase vulnerability to HIV infection.

Read article - Squaring the Circle: AIDS, Poverty, and Human Development
Read presentation - HIV and development challenges for Africa

UNGASS - NCPI for CSOs Conducted

The Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC) conducted the National Workshop of Civil Society Organization (CSO) for the National Composite Policy Index (NCPI) on 25 October 2007, Bayview Park Hotel, Manila. NCPI workshops are conducted as part of the monitoring of the UNGASS Declaration of Commitment on HIV and AIDS. The 3rd wave if UNGASS report is due on 31 January 2008.

One of three HIV patients is an OFW - DOH report

Source: www.gmanews.tv

10/12/2007 | 05:46 PM

One of every three Filipinos with Human Immuno Virus or HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is an overseas Filipino worker, according to the Department of Health.

In a report that is part of the Philippines’ mid-term progress report on the Millennium Development Goals launched on October 10, the DOH said that most of OFWs infected by the disease are seafarers and domestic workers believed to be practicing unprotected sex.

In 2006, a DOH report said the dreaded disease has reached an alarming level particularly in the Visayas and Mindanao where tourism reportedly doubled.

Read more here.

Call for Proposal by AFAO (Nov19 Deadline)

The Australian Federation of AIDS Organistions (AFAO) is now accepting applications from community organisations in selected Asia and Pacific countries for HIV and AIDS related projects through its international grant scheme.

The deadline for applications is Monday the 19th of November 2007. Detailed information, guidelines, eligibility criteria (including project & country eligibility) and application forms are available via the AFAO website: www.afao.org.au.

Alternately the direct link is: http://www.afao.org.au/view_articles.asp?pxa=ve&pxs=102&id=298

When is the deadline for applications?
The deadline for applications is: Monday 19th November 2007.

Applications received after this deadline will not be considered.

AIDS Society of the Philippines BLOG

AIDS Society of the Philippines, Inc (ASP) now has a new blog. Visit: www.aidsphil.blogspot.com.

Male circumcision doesn't affect women's HIV risk

Male circumcision has “little influence” on a woman’s HIV risk, according to a study conducted in Uganda and Zimbabwe published in the August 20th edition of AIDS. However, the study did show that women with high levels of sexual risk were slightly less likely to contract HIV if their partners were circumcised, and the investigators suggest that this finding should be explored in further studies.

Read more at the AIDSMap Website >>

US anti-prostitution pledge affecting HIV prevention

The US government’s “Anti-Prostitution Pledge” is restricting HIV prevention programmes for those it seeks to protect, according to a new review of US HIV/AIDS funding. In January 2003 US president George Bush announced $15 billion [US dollars] would be made available for programs to tackle the HIV/AIDS epidemic. But in order to receive these funds organisations must show they have policies that explicitly oppose prostitution and sex trafficking. This so-called "anti-prostitution pledge" might be creating more problems than it solves, according to an analysis published in the journal PLoS Medicine written by Chris Beyrer, director of the Center for Public Health and Human Rights at the John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, together with the centre’s senior research coordinator Nicole Franck Masenior.

Read more at the AIDSMap Website>>

8th ICAAP Perspectives

Updates from the UNAIDS Website...
The eighth International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific (ICAAP) takes place in Colombo, Sri Lanka from 19-23 August 2007. In the run up to the event, UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director, Deborah Landey and UNAIDS Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, Prasada Rao, share their hopes and expectations for the conference that will host an expected 3,000 participants from some 60 countries throughout the region.

Visions for ICAAP8: Deborah Landey, UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director

Why is this conference important?

I think this conference is extremely important for the world and it’s very important for Asia. Many of the countries in Asia and the Pacific have relatively low prevalence and it’s an opportunity for us to take stock of what’s happening in the region and to come out with the goal of keeping Asia a low prevalence area of the world in terms of AIDS.

What are the focus areas for UNAIDS at this conference?

We are very concerned to emphasize the importance of leadership in responding to the epidemic at all levels—from governments to civil society, all players, actors must be involved.

It’s absolutely vital for countries to ‘know their epidemics’ – and by this we mean really having the most recent, developed data on what is going on with the epidemic in order to be able to use relatively scare resources effectively. In particular we are interested in understanding what we call the ‘drivers of the epidemic’ – the underlying systemic issues such as gender inequality, stigma and discrimination—and getting at these issues so that countries can make fundamental changes to get ahead of their epidemics.

We also want to emphasise that AIDS is going to be with us for a long time to come and therefore the long term agenda and all the issues we need to be thinking about for future generations are extremely important for us to consider here at this meeting.

Read more here.

Global Fund Metro Manila Cluster Meeting

New Blog gets HIV science online

Updates from the UNAIDS Website...
UNAIDS launches its first ever blog - HIV This Week - that provides up-to-date insight on the latest scientific developments within the AIDS response as covered in specialist and general medicine journals.

Read more

AIDS in the Philippines - SNAPSHOT

Since the country’s first reported AIDS case in 1984, the National AIDS Registry of the Department of Health has recorded a cumulative total of 2,857 HIV and AIDS cases as of May 2007. Almost half (47%) were detected in the last 6 years (2001-2006). Majority of HIV cases hit Filipino adults during their peak economically productive years (58% were aged 25-39 years old). All modes of transmission have already been reported, but sexual means remains to be the most common (87%). Returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) account for about 35% of reported cases (or as high as 46% in 2001-2005). It should be noted, however, that HIV antibody testing is systematically conducted among OFWs as part of the employment requirements of the employer and/or the host country.

Compared to the monthly average in the last 5 years (2001-2005) which was 16 per month, the AIDS Registry showed an average of 26 new HIV cases per month for 2006. As early as May 2006 the total HIV cases have already exceeded that of 2005. The first 5 months of 2007 showed the highest monthly average to date, 27 new HIV cases per month.

Download the 3-page snapshot here.

2.5 million people living with HIV in India

Updates from the UNAIDS Website...
As part of its continuous efforts to know its epidemic better, India’s National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), supported by UNAIDS and WHO, have used improved data from more sources and revised the methodology used to analyse this new data to get a better understanding of the AIDS epidemic in India.

Read more
Read press release ( en | ru )

Kenya 2007: Changing Lives, Changing Communities

Updates from the UNAIDS Website...
The World YWCA is hosting the first ever global conference on women and HIV. The International Women’s Summit on Women’s Leadership and HIV will bring together over 1500 women and men from 4 to 7 July to develop strategies, skills and partnerships in response to the impact of AIDS on women and girls. Read more

UN Joint Team on AIDS

Members of the UN Joint Team on AIDS (Jan - Dec 2007)

1. ILO - Hirose, Kenichi
2. ILO - Jesus Macasil
3. IMO - Jaime Calderon
4. Lacson, Sarah
5. Melanie Olayres
6. Mira Fajar
7. UN Habitat - Bong Antonio
8. UNAIDS - Ced Apilado
9. UNAIDS - Ma. Elena Borromeo
10. UNAIDS - Ma. Lourdes Virginia Ramos
11. UNAIDS - Quintos, Ma. Lourdes
12. UNAIDS - Zimmbodilion Mosende
13. UNDP - Corazon Urquico
14. UNDP - Fe Cabral
15. UNESCO - Emmy Yanga
16. UNFPA - Hendry Plaza
17. UNFPA - Jovanni Templonuevo
18. UNFPA - Rena Dona
19. UNFPA - Roderick Poblete
20. UNICEF - Ayeaye Mon (until June 2007)
21. UNICEF - Philip Castro
22. UNRC - Ruth Honculada
23. WHO - Mads Salva
24. World Bank - Edward Banzon

UNAIDS Secretariat

UNAIDS Country Office Team (January - December 2008)

Teresita Marie "Bai" Bagasao
UNAIDS Country Coordinator (UCC)

Zimmbodilion "Peter" Y. Mosende
Monitoring and Evaluation Adviser

Mercedes "Ced" Apilado
Partnership and Social Mobilization Officer (PSMO)

Ma. Lourdes "Malou" Quintos
Programme Assistant (PA)

Ma. Lourdes "Des" Virginia Ramos
Resource Center Coordinator / Secretary

Alan Masajo
Driver

UNAIDS Country Office Team (January - December 2007)

Ma. Elena "Marlyn" F. Borromeo
UNAIDS Country Coordinator (UCC)

Zimmbodilion "Peter" Y. Mosende
Monitoring and Evaluation Adviser

Mercedes "Ced" Apilado
Partnership and Social Mobilization Officer (PSMO)

Ma. Lourdes "Malou" Quintos
Programme Assistant (PA)

Ma. Lourdes "Des" Virginia Ramos
Resource Center Coordinator / Secretary

Alan Masajo
Driver

India: Driving forward an effective AIDS response

Updates from the UNAIDS Website...

As India launches its National AIDS Control Plan III-widely recognized as being the most effective AIDS plan India has had - UNAIDS underlines India’s potential to ‘set an example for the rest of the world’.
Read more

Night of Solidarity With People living with or affected by HIV and for Access to Prevention, Treatment, Care and Support

Church of Santa Maria Magdalena
2 June 2007
Reflection on Romans 8:31b-39

By Rev. Robert J. Vitillo
Special Advisor on HIV and AIDS, Caritas Internationalis

To an uneducated ear, the reading that we just heard might give the impression that St. Paul was looking into a crystal ball in order to predict our present-day challenges as he speaks about “anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword”. These, and many more human sufferings, will be the contents of our reflections and debates during the General Assembly of Caritas Internationalis which will begin tomorrow. These same dilemmas, I am quite sure, dominated as well the thoughts and prayers at the respective meetings of the Unions of Superiors General convened here in Rome some weeks ago. For millions of people with whom we gather in solidarity this evening, these also are the root causes of vulnerability to infection with HIV.

Download the entire homily/article (PDF file) here.

Caritas adviser on AIDS says church contribution gaining recognition

By Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The Catholic Church's contribution to halting the spread of HIV/AIDS and offering care of those hit by the pandemic is slowly being recognized on the world stage, said Caritas Internationalis' special adviser on HIV/AIDS.

U.S. Father Robert Vitillo told Catholic News Service June 6 that there is, however, still a widespread perception in some circles that the church "is somehow an obstacle to HIV/AIDS education and care."

"Sometimes the church is too humble in talking about the services we sponsor, and I think that's why for many," especially within the media, "they think the church only says 'No' to condoms" and does nothing constructive in the fight against HIV, he said.

Read the rest of the article here.

AIDS at the G8

Updates from the UNAIDS Website...
As the world’s leaders meet this week in Heiligendamm, Germany for the 2007 Group of Eight (G8) Summit, UNAIDS urges bold and decisive leadership from G8 countries on AIDS issues.

UNAIDS press statement (en | fr | es | ru)
New report on G8, EC and other donor AIDS financing
Visit the G8 web site
Visit the G8 AIDS Campaigning web site

Philippine Report Card on HIV Prevention for Girls

A six-part poster creatively prepared by youth representatives from all over the country attending the 2-day symposium (5-6 June 2007) sponsored by different national agencies headed by the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines (FPOP) entitled "Country Level Action for the Report Card: Champions against AIDS Neglect" or CLARC CAN.


The symposium tackled the contents and recommendations of the 2006 Philippine Report Card which were jointly prepared by International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and The Global Coalition on Women and AIDS.

Here's the summary and link to the Report Card.

Philippines
Half of the population of the Philippines are 21 years or under. An increasing number of young people are engaging in premarital sex and often have multiple partners, without using any form of protection. A third of women have their first child by 21.
Download full research dossier here (345KB PDF)

“Stigma or solidarity?” – Caritas Europa contributes to efforts of Caritas Internationalis on HIV/AIDS

Interview with Andrij Waskowycz, President of Caritas Ukraine at the 18th General Assembly of Caritas Internationalis. By Annalisa Mazzella, Advocacy and Communication Officer of Caritas Europa

Vatican City, 6 June 2007 – Having been recognised for barely 25 years, HIV has become one of the most formidable infectious agents confronting modern medicine. It is now the fourth greatest cause of death worldwide and, in Africa, the primary cause of death among adults. During recent years, Caritas Internationalis has intensified activities in this area, promoting a compassionate response that includes care, support, education, and anti-retroviral treatment.

Following the line of Caritas Internationalis, Caritas Europa has recently organised the Conference “Stigma or Solidarity? New Challenges for the Church Response to HIV/AIDS”. This took place on 24-26 April 2007 in Kiev (Ukraine), organised in collaboration with Caritas Ukraine and co-sponsored by several organisations. Andrij Waskowycz, President of Caritas Ukraine, is among the more than 300 Caritas delegates to the General Assembly of Caritas Internationalis taking place this week in St Peter’s. We asked him about HIV/AIDS in Europe.

Andrij, could you describe the importance of the HIV/AIDS phenomenon in Europe?

While Sub-Saharan Africa continues to shoulder the greatest burden of HIV, alarming numbers have already been observed in Europe, especially in the Central and Eastern part. In Ukraine , annual HIV diagnoses have almost doubled since 2000. The number of people estimated be living with the virus in 2005 was calculated at 410,000. Unfortunately, physicians are not yet trained in the necessary therapies. Also, the country is unprepared in terms of social implications and funding for relevant programmes.

Read more here.

Leading Web Resource for HIV in Different Languages

Leading Web Resource for HIV, TB and Malaria Information Now Available in French, Spanish, Russian, Hindi and Simplified Chinese

GlobalHealthReporting.org provides journalists and others across the globe with up-to-date global health statistics, overviews, country-specific information and the latest news

Menlo Park, CA - Updated daily with the latest information on HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria, GlobalHealthReporting.org, a free Web site for global health news, reports and data, is now available in French, Spanish, Russian, Hindi and simplified Chinese. This free Web site is operated by the Kaiser Family Foundation with major support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

As the amount of information on HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria grows, staying abreast of the latest news, statistics and reports becomes increasingly challenging. GlobalHealthReporting.org is designed to help journalists and others cut through the wealth of information to efficiently search the latest and most accurate news and facts about global health.

"Through GlobalHealthReporting.org, we're able to get the latest health news and developments to journalists and others in many of the hardest-hit regions of the world," said Kaiser Family Foundation President and CEO Drew E. Altman, Ph.D. "With our resources now available in multiple languages, the power of that information is magnified."

With portions of the Web site now available in six languages, more journalists, as well as researchers, policymakers and NGOs across the globe can access the information, which includes:

• Current regional and global statistics on HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria including the number of new cases and people living with the diseases.
• An overview of the three diseases and frequently asked questions.
• Language-specific and region-specific reporting guides on HIV/AIDS which provide glossaries and basic facts, and address the challenges of reporting on HIV/AIDS, treatment and prevention strategies, and global financing efforts.
• Country spotlights for more than 60 countries, providing a snapshot of the diseases’ impact, recent news stories and resources, with other countries added on a bi-weekly basis. (Provided in English only).
• Country-level data on HIV/AIDS, TB, malaria and other emerging health problems such as avian flu, displayed in color-coded maps and charts are available on the companion Web site, GlobalHealthFacts.org. (Provided in English only).
• Daily summaries of news from around the world (featured in the GlobalHealthReporting.org Weekly TB and Malaria Report), links to new reports, webcasts from key global health organizations and a calendar of upcoming events related to HIV/AIDS, TB, malaria and health journalism. (Provided in English only).

Sign up to receive free weekly email alerts with updates about what's new in global health and the weekly news summary report, the GlobalHealthReporting.org Weekly TB and Malaria Report. We also encourage you to forward this notice to others who might be interested in GlobalHealthReporting.org and invite you to include a link to GlobalHealthReporting.org from your organization's Web site. Linking instructions can be found online.

The Kaiser Family Foundation is a non-profit, private operating foundation dedicated to providing information and analysis on health care issues to policymakers, the media, the health care community and the general public. The Foundation is not associated with Kaiser Permanente or Kaiser Industries.

HIV testing and counseling: new guidance

Updates from the UNAIDS Website...
WHO and UNAIDS issued new guidance on informed, voluntary HIV testing and counselling in health facilities on Wednesday 30 May, with a view to increase access to needed HIV treatment, care, support and HIV prevention services. The new guidance focuses on provider-initiated HIV testing and counselling. Read more

Links:
Download PICT Guidelines ( en | fr | ru )
Read Press Release ( en | fr | sp | ru | ar )
Read Executive Summary ( en | fr | sp | ru )
More on counselling and testing

2007 AIDS Candlelight in the Philippines

The Philippines held its 24th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial (IACM) last Friday, 25 May, 6:00-9:00 pm, at the Unibersidad de Manila, City of Manila.

The IACM is one of the largest and oldest grassroots mobilization campaigns for AIDS awareness in the world. It occurs every year in May and is meant to remember those who have died of AIDS and honour all those who have been affected by it. It is likewise an opportunity to raise community awareness towards decreasing stigma and discrimination related to AIDS, educate people about AIDS, create community dialogues and influence policy makers about prevention, treatment care and support.

This year's commemoration, under the global theme of "Leading the Way to a World Without AIDS", were jointly organized by the Department of Health - NCR, radio station DZMM and the Girls, Women and HIV/AIDS Network (GWHAN).

The program:
I. Invocation - Lunduyan Foundation
II. Welcome remarks - Mayor Lito Atienza (Representative)
III. Acknowledgment of participants and guests - Masters of Ceremony (from DWRR)
IV. Key Message - Sec. Francisco Duque (Representative)
V. Lotus Ceremony (ceremonial unfolding of the AIDS memorial quilts) - Pinoy Plus Association
VI. Inspirational Songs while forming human red ribbon - Arnie and Jeffrey Hidalgo (ABS-CBN artist)
VII. Lighting of candles - Sec. Duque's Representative with affected family member
VIII. Offering of flowers of love - Sec. Duque's Representative with affected family member
IX. Prayer - Parish Priest of Quiapo Church
X. Message from person living with HIV - representative from Babae Plus
XI. Releasing of white balloons - Sec. Duque's Representative

Snapshots:






:

Increased Efforts Needed To Curb Spread of HIV Among Migrant Workers in Asia, Group Says

Source: Global Health Reporting (23 May 2007)

Increased efforts are needed to curb the spread of HIV among migrant workers in Asia, many of whom lack access to health care services, CARAM Asia -- a coalition of migrant and health groups from 15 countries in the region -- said on Monday in an open letter to Asian governments, the AP/International Herald Tribune reports. "For a comprehensive approach to contain HIV/AIDS, the health of not only local populations but also migrant communities needs to be addressed," the letter said. According to CARAM, there are about 53 million migrant workers in Asia who are at an increased risk of HIV because they cannot access HIV prevention programs, health counseling and medical services. Many migrant workers found to be HIV-positive also are deported without any assistance or treatment services, the group said. CARAM did not provide any estimates of how many migrant workers in the region are living with HIV.

According to CARAM, many migrant workers are from impoverished areas in countries such as Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Pakistan and the Philippines and often find employment in more wealthy Asian countries. According to United Nations estimates, about 8.6 million people are living with HIV in Asia. Some officials have said that investment in HIV/AIDS control efforts remains low at 10% of the needed $5 billion annually. The number of people living with HIV in the region could increase to 20 million in the next five years if Asian governments do not increase their commitment to and funding for efforts to curb the spread of the virus, officials have said (AP/International Herald Tribune, 5/22).

The letter is available online.

Job Opening at UNAIDS - Philippines

NOTICE OF JOB VACANCY
http://www.undp.org.ph/?link=37&job_id=31

VACANCY NO.: 2007/03 ALD
DATE ISSUED: 20 May 2007
CLOSING DATE: 1 June 2007

POST TITLE: Partnership and Social Mobilization Programme Officer – UNAIDS, Philippines
ENTRY LEVEL: ALD Band A3
OFFICE & LOCATION: UNAIDS - Manila
TYPE OF APPOINTMENT: Activities of Limited Duration (ALD)

For application procedure, visit:
http://www.undp.org.ph/?link=37&job_id=31

When not to use "HIV/AIDS"?

The terms “HIV and AIDS” and “HIV/AIDS” should not be used not simply because of semantics, but n the first instance it implies that there are two completely distinct epidemics.

Below is a short list of preferred terminology as issued by UNAIDS.

Language does matter!!!

Old Use	Preferred Terminology
HIV and AIDS	AIDS unless specifically referring to HIV
HIV/AIDS epidemic	AIDS epidemic
HIV/AIDS prevalence	HIV prevalence
HIV/AIDS prevention	HIV prevention
HIV/AIDS testing	HIV testing
People living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA)	People living with HIV (PLHIV)

Download the 2007 UNAIDS Terminology Guidelines here.

Philippine Statement at the UN General Assemby - 21 May 2007

Download here the statement delivered by Ambassador Hilario G. Davide, Jr., Permanent Representative of the Republic of the Philippines to the United Nations during the General Assembly Debate on the Implementation of the Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS last 21 May 2007.

Download statement.

What is the UNDP - Spain MDG Achievement Fund?

In December 2006, UNDP and the Government of Spain signed a far-reaching agreement to establish a new fund to accelerate efforts to reach the Millennium Development Goals, and to support UN reform efforts at the country level. The Spanish Government has committed €528 million to the MDG Achievement Fund (MDG-F), to be programmed between 2007 and end-2010.

The Fund will operate through the UN development system and finance, typically, collaborative UN activities that leverage the clear value-added of the UN in the sector and country concerned, particularly where the UN’s collective strength is harnessed in order to address multi-dimensional development challenges. 57 countries are eligible to apply for assistance from the Fund.

The MDG-F will intervene in a number of thematic areas, including democratic governance, gender equality and women’s empowerment, basic social services, economic and private sector development, environment and climate change, culture and development and conflict prevention and peace building.

Visit their website to know more about MDG-F.

UN general assembly meets on AIDS

At the 61st session of the General Assembly on AIDS, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon confirmed his support to the AIDS response promising to ensure that the international community remains united against the epidemic. His remarks were heard by UN Member States as he delivered a statement during the review of the progress made towards universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support.

Read UN Secretary-General's speech ( en | fr )
Read statement by General Assembly's President
Read UNAIDS statement on appointment of new Special Envoy
Read Press Release ( en | fr | ru )
Read Media Advisory (pdf, 92 Kb)
Download UN Secretary-General's progress report (pdf, 240 Kb)

Formula One: Working Together as ONE

Issue in the Spotlight

One of the key principles of the “One UN” vision is inclusiveness. Put differently, “Working together as One” is also about finding more effective ways to help Governments and other partners at country level benefit from the diverse knowledge and technical expertise located throughout the entire UN family. This expertise spans a wide range of subjects and can be found across many different types of UN entities. It represents one of the UN system’s greatest comparative advantages, but also one of its most under-utilized assets.

For this month’s cover story, we have asked two agencies -- with limited physical presence at country level but with large reservoirs of technical knowledge -- to share their views on why they consider “Delivering as an important reform initiative and how they believe they can contribute to its success. And we have invited a Resident Coordinator from one of our pilot countries to tell us why he thinks that non-resident agencies need to play an important role at country level and why this is not always so easy.

Download the entire newsletter here.

The Fiscal Implications of Scaling Up ODA to Deal with the HIV/AIDS Pandemic

Conference Paper # 3

In this IPC-supported Conference Paper, “The Fiscal Implications of Scaling up ODA to Deal with the HIV/AIDS Epidemic”, the author examines whether scaled-up aid can effectively stem the epidemic without inducing macroeconomic disturbances, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where there is already a high level of aid dependence. The author concludes that although there are such potential dangers, they are manageable and provide no reason for delaying the immediate application of resources on a large scale.

Available online at: http://www.undp-povertycentre.org/pub/IPCConferencePape003.pdf

Please see Conference Paper #1 and Conference Paper #2 for related discussions of exchange rates policies and monetary policies. All three papers were commissioned as part of the Global Conference on “Gearing Macroeconomic Policies to Reverse the HIV/AIDS Epidemic”, held last November 2006 in Brasilia and co-sponsored by the HIV/AIDS Group of UNDP and the IPC.

Reducing drug related harm

Updates from the UNAIDS Website...
After 20 years of harm reduction research and programming, many challenging questions remain. The 18th International Conference on the Reduction of Drug Related Harm which opens its doors on Sunday 13 May in Warsaw, Poland will give the 1300 participants the opportunity to present, discuss and debate the often difficult issues surrounding drug related harm.

Visit official conference website

South Africa marks key AIDS milestones

Updates from the UNAIDS Website...
The AIDS response in South Africa has been given a boost with the successful endorsement of two key processes: the restructured South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) and a new national AIDS plan which will guide South Africa’s response to AIDS over the next five years.

Read more

WHO UNAIDS conducts HIV Estimation Workshop in Bangkok

WHO-UNAIDS HIV Estimation Workshop, 18-20 April 2007, Dusit Thani Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand.

The objective of the workshop was to build capacity in English-speaking countries in East Asia and the Pacific to produce estimates of adult HIV prevalence trends, update estimates of people living with HIV, AIDS deaths, new HIV infections and ART treatment need for 2005 and 2007. Participants were updated on changes made to systems such as Workbook, the Estimates and Projection Package (EPP), Spectrum and Trend Analysis. Trainers came from UNAIDS, WHO, UNICEF, the Centers for Disease Control, Family Health International, the World Bank, The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the Futures Institute and the East-West Center.

The workshop was participated by representatives from nine countries in the Western Pacific Region, UNAIDS Monitoring and Evaluation Advisers, and WHO Country Programme Officers.

There were four representatives from Philippines: Dr. Jessie Fantone (PNAC), Dr. Agnes Benegas (DOH-NEC), Dr. Madeline Salva (WHO), and Mr, Zimmbodilion Mosende (UNAIDS).

E-forum gets HIV prevention online

Updates from the UNAIDS Website...
A new electronic discussion forum (e-form) on ‘accelerating HIV prevention’, launched by UNAIDS and partners in southern and eastern Africa, encourages people to get online to debate, share knowledge and build partnerships on HIV prevention issues.

Read more

The UN: Delivering as One

Updates from the UNAIDS Website...
UNAIDS’ Deputy Executive Director Deborah Landey was in Brazzaville recently to participate in a meeting on ‘Africa’s agenda in a reforming UN system’. The meeting, convened by the United Nations Development Programme, was held to discuss progress on “Delivering as One” and to take UN Reform forward at country level.

Read more

Does the Philippines need the 100% Condom Use Program?

Dear Members and Friends of the UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS Staff Association,

We would like to invite you and your partners from civil society to attend a special Brown Bag session entitled “Does the Philippines need the 100% Condom Use Program” on 2 May Wednesday, 11:30 a.m. – 12 :30 p.m. at the UNDP/UNFPA Conference Room, 30^th floor Yuchengco Tower, RCBC Plaza, Makati.

To be presented by Dr. Wiwat Rojanapithayakorn, of WHO/China who is in the Philippines to provide technical support in the assessment of the 100% Condom Use Program (100% CUP) - a DOH and WHO initiative that had started in 2003. Popularly known as “Dr. Wiwat”, he pioneered the 100% CUP in Thailand that had effectively prevented new HIV infections in the country in the mid 90’s. He is also instrumental in starting-up the implementation of 100% CUP in 9 countries in Asia region, including the Philippines. Enclosed is a copy of Dr. Wiwat’s CV for your reference.

The Brown Bag session shall start promptly with the following programme.

I. Welcome Remarks Ms. Nileema Noble
UN Resident Coordinator

II. Brief Introduction Dr. Jean Marc-Olive
WHO Country Director

III. Presentation Dr. Wiwat Rojanapithayakorn
Team Leader of HIV/AIDS Team in WHO China

IV. Closing Remarks Ms. Rena Dona
Chair, UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS Staff Association

This special Brown Bag session is FREE and is open to colleagues from all UN Agencies and CSO partners. Please confirm attendance by e-mail to ruth.honculada@undp.org or call 901-0403 to facilitate entrance inside UN premises.

Supporting people living with HIV in China

Updates from the UNAIDS Website...
In 2005 UNAIDS estimated that around 650,000 people were living with HIV in China and that the epidemic could spread rapidly if efforts were not increased. In recent years action on AIDS has been stepped up in China and many health care centres have started providing treatment, care and support to people living with HIV around the country such as the Beijing Ditan Hospital and the Red Ribbon Centre.
Read more

UN Secretary-General releases progress report on universal access

Updates from the UNAIDS Website...
One year ago, the international community significantly strengthened its commitment to reverse the spread of HIV and to keep the AIDS response high on the political agenda. At the 2006 High-Level Meeting on AIDS, a new global objective was declared: universal access. On the 18th of April, the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon released a report outlining developments over the past 12 months in scaling up towards the goal of universal access. This report will officially be presented by the Secretary-General to the UN General assembly on the 21st of May 2007.

Download report (pdf, 240 Kb)

UNAIDS quarterly newsletter (Jan - Mar 2007)

The newsletter features information on WHO/UNAIDS recommendations for countries regarding male circumcision and HIV prevention, information on the 7th reference group meeting on HIV and human rights, the new Public Service Announcement (PSA) on AIDS featuring the UNAIDS Special Representative Michael Ballack, and more. The newsletter also highlights latest publications produced by UNAIDS including the “Practical Guidelines for Intensifying HIV Prevention” as well as policies on HIV and refugees and the Greater Involvement of People living with HIV (GIPA).

For more information on UNAIDS activities, please visit the website at www.unaids.org

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http://www.unaids.org/Services/Subscribe.aspx

Intensifying HIV prevention: country guidance critical

Updates from the UNAIDS Website...
Guidance for countries on the definitions, core components and quality standards for HIV prevention activities is critical for future action to intensify prevention, world experts said at the recent meeting of the UNAIDS HIV Prevention Reference Group.

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Securing the future – advocating for children

Updates from the UNAIDS Website...
Children still remain largely the missing face from national and international political responses to AIDS. The UNAIDS Secretariat and cosponsor UNICEF recently joined a group of advocates and activists from around the world to define a platform for joint advocacy towards the goal of achieving the first-ever “AIDS-Free Generation”.

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Harm reduction to be scaled up in Ukraine

Updates from the UNAIDS Website...
Unsafe injecting drug use is the main driver of the AIDS epidemic in Ukraine. As part of the efforts to address injecting drug use and its relationship with HIV, Ukraine recently held a national conference on harm reduction which attracted over 400 participants. One of the main aims of the conference was to assess existing programmes and identify new ways of improving the quality and increasing the scale of harm reduction services in Ukraine.

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Focus on AIDS and security

Updates from the UNAIDS Website...

Under the broad theme of ‘Health and International Security’, AIDS and the threat it poses to the stability of communities is one of the focus issues of this year’s World Health Day. AIDS affects the most productive members of society—which can lead to the breakdown of family, community and political structures. Civil and international conflicts destabilize and displace populations, increasing vulnerability to HIV infection.
Read more on AIDS and Security
Read more on AIDS and conflict
Read more on World Health Day

Not any different from you!

Updates from the UNAIDS Website...

In Moldova, widespread and deeply rooted misbelieves about HIV continue to fuel stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV. A large scale TV and radio campaign was recently launched to promote solidarity with people living with HIV.

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HIV Infections On The Rise In Asia

HIV Infections In Asia Could Double In 5 Years Without Better Government Response
Source: CBS News

MANILA, Philippines (AP) - The number of people in Asia infected with the AIDS virus threatens to double over the next five years unless governments do more to stop the spread of HIV, officials said Friday.

About 8.6 million people are infected in Asia with HIV.

At the current level of inadequate response, it is expected this number will rise to about 20 million in the next five years," the independent Commission on Aids in Asia said.

The nine-member commission, funded by the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS or UNAIDS, is holding its two-day Southeast Asia Sub-Regional workshop in Manila.

It said the number of deaths currently average around 500,000 yearly, and financial losses to the Asian region are estimated at $10 billion annually. The economic cost is predicted to rise to as high as $29 billion per year if the epidemic is not controlled within the next five years.

Despite these projections, investments in HIV control in the region remain extremely low at 10 percent of the required $5 billion per year, it added.

Read more here.

Photo: A monk from Lao PDR, participant to the AIDS Commission Workshop in Manila. Photo by Rey Mendez

Related news:
HIV Infections in Asia Could More Than Double in 5 Years, The Body
HIV infections in Asia could more than double in 5 years, World News
HIV infections increase in Asia, Canadian Press
Migration, drug use increase AIDS risk in Asia -- experts, Philippine Daily Inquirer
UN-backed commission: HIV infections in Asia could easily double in 5 years, CBC News

Govt told to step up AIDS fight

By Maricel V. Cruz, Reporter
Source: Manila Times

The Department of Health report indicating an alar­ming increase in HIV/AIDS cases among overseas Filipino workers should prod the government to step up its efforts to prevent the spread of the disease, Rep. Prospero “Butch” Pichay said on Thursday.

Pichay, who is running for the Senate under the administration Team Unity, underscored the need for the public to do their share in addressing the problem.

“Every segment of society should play a role in HIV prevention. Everyone should be involved. The government should commit funds for research and backed by private organizations to spread the word about how to stop HIV,” Pichay said.

Read more here.

Male circumcision and HIV prevention

Updates from the UNAIDS Website...

WHO and UNAIDS launch experts meeting recommendations for countries considering to scale up access to male circumcision as an additional HIV prevention method. The recommendations emphasize that male circumcision should always be part of a comprehensive prevention package.

Joint WHO/UNAIDS press release
Read recommendations ( en | fr )
More on male circumcision

UNAIDS acts to strengthen ‘GIPA’ with new policy

Updates from the UNAIDS Website...

Supporting the active engagement of people living with HIV in the AIDS response is one of UNAIDS’ most important goals. UNAIDS is seeking to revitalize commitments to GIPA - the greater involvement of people living with HIV - with a new policy brief. The policy seeks to ensure the GIPA commitment of 1994 has relevance to governments, civil society and international donors in global, regional and country AIDS responses for 2007 and beyond.

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Download UNAIDS Policy Brief