Acceleration of HIV prevention in the WHO African Region: progress report

Abstract

1. Concerned about the high rates of HIV infection with a disproportionately high burden on young people and women and the slow progress in reducing HIV incidence in the African Region, the Regional Committee in 2006 adopted Resolution AFR/RC55/R6 on acceleration of HIV prevention efforts in the African Region. The resolution was subsequently endorsed by the Regional Directors for Africa of WHO, UNAIDS, UNDP, UNESCO, UNFPA, UNICEF and UNIFEM at a consultation in Brazzaville, in November 2005, where they signed the Brazzaville Declaration and adopted a related joint plan. 2. The resolution urged Member States to put in place a number of measures, including: development of strategies and plans for accelerated HIV prevention; identifying and tackling the deep-rooted causes of vulnerability; increasing access to quality health sector HIV prevention interventions; promoting local research to enhance understanding of the dynamics of HIV transmission in order to provide appropriate response. 3. In addition, the resolution requested the Regional Director to develop a strategy for accelerating HIV prevention; to provide the necessary technical support to countries; to help mobilize additional resources; and to monitor implementation. It further requested the Regional Director to report to the Regional Committee every two years.