Reversing the epidemic: facts and policy options

Information, leadership and inclusion needed to respond to HIV/AIDS

This report outlines the available data on HIV/AIDS in Central and Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and explores the necessary policy choices to halt the spread of the disease. The paper explores the epidemiological trends in the area and the factors which drive the epidemic. It outlines the impact of the epidemic, and reviews human rights and HIV/AIDS. The authors then focus on developing an effective response to HIV/AIDS and provide three key categories for focus: information, leadership and inclusion.

The authors outline the need for providing better quality epidemiological data and educational information, as well as counselling and voluntary HIV testing. They also highlight the importance of enabling and empowering leaders from all sectors to commit to change in order to build effective grass roots responses. Finally, the authors outline the need to reach out to injecting drug users (IDUs), sex workers, prisoners, ethnic minorities and other at-risk groups and provide them with access to harm reduction services. The importance of ensuring that these voices are heard in policy formulation and implementation is also stressed. The authors conclude that a comprehensive, multi-sector response to HIV/AIDS is needed to ensure sustainable human development for the entire community. [adapted from author]

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Reversing the epidemic: facts and policy options