Universal access to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care

The HIV epidemic remains a major global public health challenge, with more than 34 million people living with HIV worldwide. In 2011 alone, 2.2 million people were newly infected with HIV and 1.7 million people died of AIDS.

The WHO, along with UNICEF and UNAIDS Secretariat, has been issuing annual "Towards Universal Access" progress reports, monitoring key components of the worldwide health sector response to HIV, since 2006, when UN Member States committed to universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support by 2010.

Based on the Progress Reports, the WHO and partners have been advocating for increased awareness on the need for continued progress in low- and middle-income countries, providing recommendations to overcome persisting challenges.