Together, we can make a difference

Guided by the principles of the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action and the ICPD review process (ICPD+5), UNFPA supports prevention of HIV infection as an integral component of reproductive health. The reproductive health approach to HIV prevention provides an appropriate entry-point for the implementation of HIV interventions. HIV/AIDS has never been higher on the international agenda, not only as a public health and development issue, but also as a security issue. In the worst-effected countries, the demographic impact of AIDS threatens to wipe out the hard-won gains of the last 30 years in terms of health status and life expectancy.

Girls and women are most vulnerable to HIV infection given the social and economic disadvantages they face in their day-to-day lives. Recent data show that there are an estimated 12 women living with HIV for every 10 men in many countries around the world. Experience shows that the burden of caring for entire families falls increasingly on the shoulders of women as AIDS continues to devastate families and communities. Adolescents are at high risk of HIV infection, as they tend to engage in risk-taking behaviour and their access to preventive information is generally limited. Further efforts must be made to empower women and girls and create a space for female decision-making in private as well as public life.

National goals and global imperatives are best met by satisfying the rights, needs and aspirations of individual children, adolescents, women, and men. The success stories included in this report serve as an important reminder of the power of committed and focused multilateral partnerships. There is still much work ahead of us. It is only through large-scale cooperation that we can meet the substantial health and development challenges, including that posted by the HIV pandemic.

Dr Nafis Sadik
Executive Director
UNFPA