Acceleration of HIV Prevention in the WHO African Region

Abstract

1. In 2005, ministers of health adopted resolution AFR/RC55/R6 on acceleration of HIV prevention in the African Region, calling upon Member States to accelerate HIV prevention and declaring 2006 the Year of Acceleration of HIV Prevention in the African Region. The resolution also requested the Regional Director to develop a strategy for acceleration of HIV prevention, provide the necessary technical support to countries, help mobilize additional resources and monitor implementation. 2. The strategy document, “HIV prevention in the African Region: strategy for acceleration and renewal,” was developed and subsequently adopted at the fifty-sixth session of the Regional Committee. The strategy includes targets1 to be met by 2010, particularly in areas of HIV testing and counselling (HTC); blood safety; prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV; prevention and control of sexually-transmitted infections (STIs); condom use; and access to comprehensive prevention, treatment and care. 3. This report complements the previous one submitted at the fifty-eighth session of the Regional Committee. It provides updated information on key health sector HIV prevention indicators defined in the strategy, and it highlights issues that should be taken into consideration for moving the HIV prevention agenda forward in the health sector.