Two years of war in Ukraine have resulted in significant humanitarian consequences. Forty percent of the current population of Ukraine,14.6 million people, are in need of humanitarian assistance, 6.4 million refugees have fled the country, and more than 3 million people are internally displaced. People living with and affected by HIV continue to be vulnerable to the effects of the war, even as HIV services have been restored and are functional in most parts of the country.

Russian strikes have continued to wreak havoc on Ukrainian cities, causing death and destruction, impacting access to water, electricity, heating, and health services for millions of civilians.

In addition, there have been 1,570 attacks on health facilities and 630 health facilities damaged.

According to the latest data from The Ukrainian Public Health Center, prior to the war, Ukraine had made significant progress in reducing HIV incidence (-47%) and AIDS-related mortality (-81%) since 2010. Despite the initial disruption to the national AIDS response at the onset of the war, the national AIDS program has gradually resumed routine operations.

As of the end of 2023, the number of patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) was only slightly below the pre-war figure, standing at 118,348 (130,724 as of February 2022). Additionally, approximately seven thousand patients are known to receive ART abroad. In the last two years, the number of patients on opioid agonist therapy (OAT) increased by 38%, reaching 27,511 people. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) more than doubled, reaching 12,354 people.

However, in eastern and southern occupied territories data is incomplete or not available. This is true of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson regions, AR Crimea, and the city of Sevastopol. The same occurred in 2023.  Despite these challenges, the surveillance system in the government-controlled areas remains operational, ensuring the completeness and quality of data on HIV prevention, testing and treatment services.

In addition, 9.6 million people in Ukraine are estimated to be at risk of or living with a mental health condition, and 3.9 million people are estimated to suffer from moderate to severe symptoms. And there has been an increase in gender-based violence.

Ukraine remains committed to the HIV response through a strong coalition of government, civil society, international organizations, and donors, first and foremost The United States President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. This collaboration has secured vital supplies of antiretroviral therapy (ARV), tuberculosis medicines, and opioid agonist therapy (OAT), ensuring uninterrupted HIV treatment and services.

UNAIDS Secretariat, Co-sponsors and UN agencies have joined forces to provide a unified response, ensuring that vulnerable populations, including those on the frontline and in the most severely affected areas, receive comprehensive support. This collaborative effort aims to bridge gaps and address the unique challenges faced by women, people living with HIV and key populations, including the delivery of crucial humanitarian aid and HIV services.

The past two years have been very challenging. Even though the country has managed to maintain HIV services, the unpredictability of what lies ahead has many fearing the worst. Support is needed to ensure sustainability of the AIDS response and to protect key populations affected by the enduring hardships of war.

For more information and more in-depth analysis, read the Situation Report (February 2024)

Responding to the passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill in Ghana’s parliament, UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima said:

“The Human Sexual rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, a private member’s bill passed by parliament, has not yet become a law in Ghana. 

If the bill does become a law, it will affect everyone. 

Ghana is respected as a stable country where the rule of law prevails, a member of the Human Rights Council, and a global leader in fighting inequality. African values and principles of Ubuntu, dignity, non-discrimination, equality, empathy, protection from violence and care for each other shaped Ghana’s independence struggles, and have continued to be at the heart of Ghana’s society and constitutional democracy. Approaches rooted in inclusion of all people have been crucial to Ghana’s progress in the HIV response. To achieve the goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, it is vital to ensure that everyone has equal access to essential services without fear, stigma or discrimination, and that providers of life-saving HIV prevention, testing, treatment and care services are supported in their work.  

If Human Sexual rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill becomes a law, it will exacerbate fear and hatred, could incite violence against fellow Ghanaian citizens, and will negatively impact on free speech, freedom of movement and freedom of association.

If it becomes law, it will obstruct access to life-saving services, undercut social protection, and jeopardize Ghana’s development success.

Evidence shows that punitive laws like this Bill are a barrier to ending AIDS, and ultimately undermine everyone’s health.”

UNAIDS

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

GENEVA, 5 February 2024—It is with profound sadness that UNAIDS learns of the passing of Dr Hage G. Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia. President Geingob was a distinguished leader, a tireless advocate for social justice, and a steadfast supporter of efforts to end AIDS.

The Executive Director of UNAIDS, Winnie Byanyima, expressed her deep condolences, stating, "I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of President Geingob. He was a true people’s leader, a leader I admired and whose guidance I benefitted from. My heart goes out to his family, especially his wife Monica Geingos, the First Lady of Namibia. Africa has lost a giant son. May he rest in peace.”

President Geingob was not only a statesman who was instrumental in the anti-apartheid movement, he was also a compassionate leader who was dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of the people of Namibia and around the world. Most recently he proposed doubling the value of the cash transfers the Government of Namibia gives monthly to poor and vulnerable Namibians. He was a pan-Africanist leader who was committed to peace, democracy and a united Africa.

President Geingob's dedication to addressing the challenges posed by HIV and to fight inequality were evident throughout his tenure. Under his leadership, Namibia made significant strides in the fight against the HIV epidemic, creating a supportive legal and policy environment.

He positioned the Government of Namibia among the global AIDS leaders, funding more than 70% of the country’s HIV care and treatment from domestic resources. He helped lead global efforts to accelerate actions on Sustainable Development Goal 10 – Reducing Inequalities. Locally, he engaged communities and implemented effective strategies to prevent new infections and provide care and support to people affected by the virus.

UNAIDS acknowledges President Geingob's pivotal role in advancing the global AIDS response, both through his leadership within Namibia and his contributions to international collaborations. His efforts have left an indelible mark on the fight against AIDS, and his vision of ending AIDS in Namibia and across the world will continue to inspire the work of UNAIDS and its partners.

The entire UNAIDS family extends its deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and the people of Namibia during this difficult time. We honour President Geingob's memory and remain steadfast in our commitment to ensure that the progress achieved in the AIDS response continues to benefit people most in need.

UNAIDS

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Divyanshi is an enthusiastic 18-year-old Indian girl with an inspiring personal story of courage and resilience. She was diagnosed with HIV at a very young age. She has never given up on her dreams.

“I became aware of my status around 2013-14 but it wasn’t until I moved to a care home that I understood the challenges of living with this virus,” said Divyanshi. “As a person living with HIV, I face stigma and discrimination when a friend or someone else gets to know about my positive status. But I take it as an opportunity to educate people about HIV and break their myths. I want to show the world that I can live a normal, healthy, and happy life as a person living with HIV.”

Divyanshi joined the Positive YUVA Network (PYN)—an innovative community-based organisation striving to uplift young people living with HIV—where she found support and guidance from her peers.

As a network of young people living with HIV, Positive YUVA Network is a community-based organization committed to support young people living with HIV and LGBTQI+ people in India. The organization focuses its efforts on supporting the mental health of the young people living with HIV through its “Buddy System”. This initiative acknowledges the psychological challenges experienced by young people living with HIV and supports them with professional counsellors who provide tailored assistance. 

The organization provides skills development opportunities, recognizing that empowering young people living with HIV with practical skills enhances their socio-economic prospects. Through mentorship programs, the Positive YUVA Network aims to instil confidence and self-reliance among the youth, helping young people to redefine their narrative.

At the Positive YUVA Network, Divyanshi discovered her passion for photography and with the help of her mentor, is now interning at a startup, capturing moments of joy and hope. Divyanshi is an inspiration to many in how she shows that no obstacle can deter her from chasing her aspirations.

The Positive YUVA Network also works to reduce stigma and discrimination associated with HIV by raising awareness in schools. For instance, the organization used the most recent World AIDS Day as an opportunity to initiate open discussions and correct myths about HIV and AIDS among school going children with a goal to create a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters understanding and empathy for all people. By fostering empathy and a respect for the rights of everyone, the initiative helps to advance the health of everyone.

Global HIV statistics reveal that 1 out of every 4 new HIV infections globally in 2022 were among young people (15–24 years). Recognizing this demographic vulnerability, a focus on youth-specific interventions is imperative for an effective HIV response.

This community-driven initiative, and many others like this one, is playing a critical role in removing barriers for young people to meaningfully engage in the HIV-response in India. It is a powerful example of how community-led organisations are transforming the AIDS response at grassroots level. 

“In India's HIV response, youth-led organizations infuse hope and resilience. These groups, driven by the energy and innovation of young minds, are building a more inclusive and informed society. Rights, recognition and respect are essential for public health efforts to succeed. The impact of organisations like the Positive YUVA Network is not limited to young people living with HIV and LGBTQ+ youth, it benefits everyone,” said David Bridger, UNAIDS Country Director in India. “We all need to recognize the indomitable spirit of these organizations—pillars of strength in our collective journey. Together, let us do all we can to support the vital role of youth-led initiatives as they lead us along the path that ends AIDS,” he added.

In an important decision of the Plenum of the Supreme Court on December 26, 2023, Tajikistan has marked a significant step towards decriminalization of HIV exposure and transmission in its pursuit of justice for people living with or affected by HIV.  

OSLO/GENEVA, 1 February 2024—At a conference hosted in Oslo by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad), UNAIDS Executive Director, Winnie Byanyima, has made an impassioned call to all international partners to support women and girls from marginalized communities at the frontlines of the defence of human rights. Only by ensuring that the rights of everyone are protected can the world ensure that the health of everyone is protected, and that the Sustainable Development Goals are achieved.

In her keynote speech at the Rights and Resistance conference Ms Byanyima said, “We cannot separate sustainable development from human rights. We must put human rights at the centre of our development efforts. The AIDS movement, of which I am proud to be part, has been resolute in this. We have demonstrated how patriarchal, racist, and homophobic laws, policies, practices and norms undermine health and hurt everyone.”

She said that progress was in peril from a backlash on human rights but that hard-won gains could be protected and expanded by doing three things:

• Deepening our understanding of the pushback on human rights and democracy
• Bringing our efforts together and connecting the dots to link the struggles, thinking long term and being bold
• Backing and resourcing the people most impacted by the attacks on rights—foremost by supporting women and girls from the poorest and most marginalized communities

In her speech, Ms Byanyima underlined some of the gains made by human rights defenders in recent years through the leadership of women and girls and LGBTQ communities.

• 50 million more girls are in school than were in 2015
• Whereas a few decades ago, two-thirds of countries criminalised same-sex relationships, today two-thirds of countries do not criminalise them.

Opening the conference, Norway’s International Development Minister, Anne Beathe Tvinnereim, said, “We have an obligation to back those who risk their lives fighting for values that we take for granted. Norway will continue aiding those actors on the ground who stress the universality of human rights. We will support free and independent media, including at the local level. Finally, all Norwegian development aid shall be rights-based."

Human rights violations continue to drive the HIV epidemic among women and girls. Every week, 4000 adolescent girls and young women aged 15—24 became infected with HIV globally in 2022. 3100 of these infections occurred in sub-Saharah Africa.

Upholding the rights of marginalized communities is vital for enabling success in the HIV response. When marginalized communities are criminalized or stigmatized, their vulnerability to HIV infection increases, and their access to HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support services is obstructed. UNAIDS research shows that the decriminalization of same-sex relationships is a crucial step in ending the AIDS pandemic.

UNAIDS is highlighting that the recent, well-coordinated and well-funded global pushback against women’s rights, against the human rights of LGBTQ people, against sexual and reproductive health and rights, against democracy and against civic space is not only a threat to everyone’s freedom, it is a threat to everyone’s health. In response to this threat, the AIDS movement and its allies are pushing back against the pushback, reminding world leaders of their commitments to uphold all human rights for all people.

UNAIDS is supporting frontline human rights defenders in both crisis response and in the longer-term work and is helping to expand support for human rights by demonstrating that laws, policies and practices which uphold human rights help countries to ensure public health and to get on track to end AIDS.

The UNAIDS Executive Director expressed confidence that the advancement of rights can be won. “Progress is not automatic. But if we are courageous and united, progress is possible,” said Ms Byanyima.

The full version of Ms. Byanyima’s speech (delivered at 12:50 CET February 1) can be viewed here.

UNAIDS

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

UNAIDS

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Imagine this: you’re a person living with HIV, and your household is facing financial hardship. You decide to run a small grocery business at home, keeping your status hidden. Despite accessing free HIV treatment, you cannot afford other essential health services. And when you need to buy medicine, you don't have enough for your children’s school supplies or nutritious meals.

Low incomes.

Unaffordable healthcare.

Employment insecurity due to HIV-related stigma and discrimination.

These realities create financial hurdles for the poor among people living with HIV and the key populations—gay men and other men who have sex with men, transgender women, sex workers and people who inject drugs.

In Cambodia, stakeholders are working to ensure that the social protection safety net specifically covers people living with, and at risk of contracting, HIV.

“People living with HIV do not only need medication, but also food. If we provide only the drugs they will not survive,” said  Tia Phalla, Deputy Director of Cambodia’s National AIDS Authority (NAA). He explained that nutrition support and other non-health related care are an integral part of the national policy for responding to HIV.

Cambodia is among the countries that are on-track to reach the 2025 Global AIDS Strategy testing and treatment targets. As of the end of 2022, an estimated 86% of people living with HIV in Cambodia were aware of their status. Impressively, more than 98% of diagnosed people were receiving treatment and 98% of those on treatment achieved a suppressed viral load last year.

The country hopes to further improve these results while enhancing the quality of life of people living with HIV.

“A key part of the strategy we have advocated for is to include HIV sensitivity in social protection schemes and programmes,” explained Patricia Ongpin, UNAIDS Country Director for Cambodia, Lao PDR and Malaysia. Individuals and families affected by HIV can now benefit from a range of programmes including cash transfer, food assistance, social health protection and scholarships.

Once a person living with HIV registers their household for an Equity Card, they are entitled to monthly stipends. The card also gives holders access to additional medical care. This frees individuals and families from having to choose between healthcare and expenses for other essentials such as education and food.

In 2019 Cambodia officially included people living with HIV in its IDPoor mechanism. This is a system to identify and register households living in poverty. This was followed by the HIV and Social Protection Assessment, conducted in 2020 by UNAIDS and the NAA.

“The assessment made it clear that promoting HIV-sensitive social protection could help reduce the risk of HIV, increase demand for HIV prevention services, and promote HIV testing and safe sexual behaviors, as well as adherence to treatment,” said Ms Ongpin.

To ensure a more inclusive approach for IDPoor registration there must be engagement from key stakeholders including government, local authorities, development partners, and civil society organizations.

With support from UNAIDS and UNDP, Cambodia’s Ministry of Planning launched a web-based system and mobile application for IDPoor registration in December 2022. This approach makes it easier for individuals living with HIV to register at their treatment centers. As of August this year, more than 13,600 people living with HIV have been enrolled.

By leveraging this technology-driven approach, people living with HIV feel confident revealing their HIV status and are empowered to access much-needed healthcare benefits with dignity and autonomy. The solution can also be used to register people from key population communities at risk of contracting HIV.

Community leadership is a key strategy for expanding the initiative’s reach.  The Joint Forum of Networks of People Living with HIV and key populations (DFoNPAM) coordinates with the Department of Planning at district level in order to help with IDPoor registration. 

One initiative specifically targeted female entertainment workers. A national registration campaign was co-organized by the Ministry of Planning, the Phnom Penh City Hall, and the NAA, with technical assistance from UNAIDS. Around five dozen workers registered during the two-day campaign, receiving Equity Cards for their households.

According to the UNAIDS Country Director, this inclusive approach is key to creating a better future for people living with HIV and key populations.

“To mobilize their participation and register them for Equity Cards, we need to understand the barriers. And to understand the barriers, we need to listen to their experiences, in their own words. By taking this step, people living with HIV and key populations can help shape the conversation and ensure that their voices are heard,” Ms Ongpin ended.

In the heart of the bustling Guatemala City, Juan used to face the daily grind of life with an unwavering spirit. He had been diagnosed with HIV several years ago and had learned to manage his health effectively. As a dedicated employee at a marketing firm, he poured creativity into every project he touched.

Life seemed to be on an upswing for him until an unexpected turn of events unfolded at the workplace. A colleague stumbled upon Juan's medical records and, in a breach of privacy, discovered his HIV status. Soon, whispers spread through the office, and Juan began to feel the cold stares and hushed conversations whenever he walked by. Ultimately, he was dismissed from his company for "restructuring reasons."

As the discrimination became more blatant, Juan decided it was time to take action. He sought advice from Líderes Profesionales, a network of lawyers specializing in discrimination cases for people living with HIV. With UNAIDS's support, this network is committed to fighting for justice and equality for marginalized communities.

Upon hearing Juan's story, the lawyers at Líderes Profesionales were appalled by the flagrant violation of privacy and the subsequent discrimination. They quickly assembled a legal team dedicated to ensuring justice for Juan. The lawyers explained the legal protections in place for individuals with HIV, emphasizing that workplace discrimination based on health status is a clear violation of the law.

Together with Juan, the legal team initiated a lawsuit against the firm. They filed a complaint citing violations of privacy, discrimination, and failure to provide a safe and inclusive work environment and asked for payment of benefits and compensation for unjustified dismissal.

Líderes Profesionales worked tirelessly to expose Juan's unjust treatment, seeking justice for him and advocating for broader change in workplace policies. They organized workshops to sensitize companies, urging them to implement comprehensive diversity and inclusion training and policy.

As of December 2023, the case is still ongoing. The legal team's goal is to seek compensation for Juan and foster an environment where such discrimination would not be tolerated in the future.

"Juan's experience and five other discrimination-related workplace cases this year inspire us to continue our advocacy work," says Julio Rodríguez, Director of Líderes Profesionales. "We redouble our efforts to support individuals facing discrimination, using each case as an opportunity to raise awareness and push for systemic change."

In Guatemala, 31,000 people are estimated to be living with HIV. HIV-related stigma and discrimination are still pervasive. According to the latest National Stigma Index (2017), 14% of people living with HIV reported losing their job or source of income due to their positive status for HIV, and 13% of people living with HIV reported being denied employment or opportunity to work because of HIV.

 "Having access to legal support really represented a turning point for Juan. Empowered by it, he is a more vocal advocate for HIV awareness and anti-discrimination efforts," says Marie Engel, UNAIDS Country Director for Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. "Through his journey, Juan contributes to a more just and inclusive society for all." 

In the quiet corner of a community center in Guatemala City, 29-year-old Emma - fictitious name - sits among other women she does not know. In the faces and gestures of each of them, you can see that they all carry the weight of violence and injustice on their shoulders.

The first subtle rays of sunlight gradually fill the room; calm and comfort invite Emma and the others to feel more relaxed in their hearts and souls. With tired eyes, small hands, and a heart scarred by violence, she looks around, absorbs the energy of the place, and takes a deep breath as she awaits the start of a therapy session and an informative talk about HIV.

As the therapy session began, Emma shyly and cautiously shared her experiences with Wendi Polanco, who, since 2019, has become a helping hand for many women battered by gender-based violence. Through Latiendo Juntas, the organization she leads in Guatemala, Wendi clearly proves that sisterhood works and is transformative.  

With support from UNAIDS, Latiendo Juntas coordinates a project to improve access to comprehensive health services, including sexually transmitted infections (STI) and HIV testing and care for women survivors of violence. They also contribute to their resilience and empowerment by raising awareness of human rights, including their sexual and reproductive rights, through group therapy and HIV information talks, which provide facts and a platform for open dialogue, fostering a non-judgmental environment.

"The room becomes a sanctuary where the pain of women like Emma and so many others is recognized," says Wendi. "The community center is a refuge for them, and a network of support among the women is woven with the sun's warmth. I feel relieved when I see how the weight on their shoulders begins to lessen."

Throughout these therapy sessions, Emma and other women discover comfort and empowerment. The therapeutic journeys offered at Latiendo Juntas become a catalyst for their resilience, liberation, and self-care.

The link between HIV and violence against women is a widespread problem, as gender-based violence increases women's vulnerability to HIV infection. Women who experience violence may have difficulty negotiating safe sexual practices, including the use of condoms, which increases their risk of contracting HIV. In addition, fear of violence may deter women from seeking HIV testing, treatment, and support, perpetuating the cycle of violence and silence and limiting their access to critical and essential healthcare resources.

Violence against women in Guatemala is endemic and can be described as a shadow pandemic. The country has one of the world's highest rates of femicide: the intentional murder of women because they are women.

"Addressing the intersection of HIV and violence against women requires comprehensive efforts that include education, empowerment, and dismantling gender-based power imbalances," says Irene Izquieta, UNAIDS Advisor on Rights and Gender for Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.