A high-level panel organized by UNAIDS and the Government of Togo and held on 14 October in Lomé, Togo, discussed HIV, security and humanitarian emergencies in Africa. The panel discussion took place in the margins of the African Union Extraordinary Summit on Maritime Security and Safety and Development in Africa.
There were more than 314 million people affected by humanitarian emergencies in the world in 2014, of which 67 million were forcibly displaced. An estimated 1.7 million people are living with HIV within these emergency contexts.
The meeting focused on the importance of implementing United Nations Security Council resolution 1983, on addressing the HIV response in conflict and emergency settings, increasing the focus, action and results on sexual violence and mainstreaming HIV in peacekeeping missions.
Special attention was directed towards the western and central African region, which is affected by many crisis and post-crisis situations and where only one out of three people living with HIV is accessing antiretroviral therapy.
Key messages
- The evaluation report of resolution 1983 should be discussed at the next United Nations Security Council meeting, in November.
- The HIV response should be strengthened in conflict and emergency settings and there should be more focus and actions to address sexual violence.
- HIV should be further incorporated in peacekeeping missions.
- People should be at the front and centre of the response, and no one should be left behind in the response to HIV in emergencies and conflicts.
- Humanitarian and development funding for HIV and gender-based violence prevention and response should be included in national HIV and humanitarian strategies.
- Human rights and dignity should be fully respected in all humanitarian emergencies.
“We are very proud that our armed forces are very well represented in peacekeeping missions. We should also note that they are strongly engaged in the national AIDS response, but we look forward to scaling up the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolution 1983.”
Moustapha Mijiyawa Minister of Health, Togo
“In Benin, a Manuel de bonne conduite has been developed. Since the early days of the epidemic, our soldiers have been tested before and after military interventions, and they are offered treatment in case they are found to be HIV-positive.”
Fernand Maxime Ahojo Prefet Maritime, Benin
“Unless we address HIV within security and humanitarian emergencies, we will not bring an end to the AIDS epidemic.”
Djibril Diallo UNAIDS Regional Director for West and Central Africa
“We apply systematic counselling on good conduct and zero tolerance on sexual abuse for our troops. This not only improves their efficacy but also the AIDS response.”
Adom Wiyoou Kpao West and Central Africa Military Network for AIDS Control focal point, Togo
“AIDS is intricately linked with security. And for this reason, AIDS has been addressed at the highest level of the country’s authority.”
Maxime Balalou Central African Republic delegate minister
“The reality is that our countries are littered with arms, which are used to perpetrate sexual violence and abuse. What peace operations can do is not only promote equality in numbers, but also equitable access to HIV treatment and counselling.”
Olatokoumbo Ige United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa
“The African Union Commission is thankful to all partners responding to HIV and supporting the realization of the revised health strategy 2016–2020.”
Admore Kambudzi Director, Peace and Security Department, African Union Commission
