Universal access

In June 2006, the UN General Assembly made a commitment to the goal of universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support. This declaration commits UN member states to “pursuing all necessary efforts to scale up nationally driven, sustainable and comprehensive responses to achieve broad multi-sectoral coverage for prevention, treatment, care and support, with full and active participation of people living with HIV, vulnerable groups, most affected communities, civil society and the private sector, towards the goal of universal access to comprehensive programmes, treatment, care and support by 2010”. Click the UN report for more information.

This is an extraordinary commitment by word leaders. It aims to ensure that universal access is ultimately a government’s own responsibility. It makes clear that actions taken by all stakeholders in the coming years will determine whether these ambitious commitments are achieved, and how many lives will be saved (or not). It has also become increasingly clear that fighting the epidemic requires a stronger focus on community involvement. Only through community action can full access to effective HIV prevention, treatment, care and support be made available to all.

Stop AIDS Alliance is advocating for increased EU support for universal access with a particular focus on HIV prevention for key populations and other vulnerable groups.

Universal access

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