HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS: Between Crisis and Hope

As of December 2007 UNAIDS estimated that there were 33.2 million people living with HIV and AIDS of which 15.4 million were women and 2.5 million were children under 15 years. In 2007 alone, 2.5 million people were newly infected with HIV and 2.1 million people, of which 330 000 were children under the age of 15, died as a result of the disease. Most of these cases are in Sub-Saharan Africa which remains the most seriously affected region, and where AIDS continues to be the leading cause of death.

Although these numbers are truly alarming, there is a way to turn things around. Stopping the spread of AIDS and reversing the current trends are part of the MDG. The international community has taken these two objectives to heart. The partners of Uniterra are especially committed to the fight against AIDS through numerous programs that aim to strengthen community associations, put in place awareness and education programs, and foster cooperation between local and national health partners.

Women and girls are increasingly the victims of the epidemic, representing almost half of the persons living with AIDS around the world. It is in this group that the rates of infection are rising most rapidly. It is consequently vital that improved health care services and more information resources be devoted to this segment of the population.

Because of its scope, HIV/AIDS affects the most active segments of the population and is an undeniable obstacle to progress. We have identified prevention, education and access to treatment as the three priority areas in the countries in which we are operating.

Projects focused in Africa

We support projects that aim to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS in three countries in Africa, which is the continent most affected by the pandemic.

In Botswana and Malawi we focus on strengthening the capacity of Government and Civil Society Organisations to respond to the pandemic, including the access of care for people living with HIV, orphans and other vulnerable children.

While in Burkina Faso we are working with community based organizations in the areas of awareness, prevention, gender equality and income generating activities for people living positively.