World AIDS Day 2020

The WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region is facing an alarming situation for HIV/AIDS with a 47% increase in new infections and a 57% increase in AIDS-related deaths compared to 2010. By the end of 2019, there were approximately 420 000 people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the Region; with only 1 in 4 receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Despite progress over the years and the actions taken by countries, there are still numerous challenges that need to be addressed within the HIV response. Additionally, this year, HIV services were further challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused a shortage of supplies, a depletion of resources and the disruption of service delivery. This disruption uncovered the fragility of HIV programmes and their lack of flexibility in adapting to emergencies, as well as the vulnerability of marginalized PLHIV during the lockdown.

This year, the World AIDS Day campaign will advocate for more resilient HIV health services. It will focus on reflecting the experiences of people living with and affected by HIV during the COVID-19 pandemic and conveying their needs and perspectives regarding services continuity.

Key objectives of World AIDS Day 2020

Advocate for building integrated and resilient HIV health services;

Advocate for continuity of services for people living with and affected by HIV during emergencies, highlighting the crucial role of the community.

HIV/AIDS situation in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, 2019

0.1%

HIV prevalence

0.07

New HIV infections per 1000 uninfected

420,000

Estimated people were living with HIV

44,000

People became newly infected with HIV

15,000

AIDS-related deaths

100,000

Estimated PLHIV receiving ART

Campaign material

Regional Director's message

English | Arabic | French

Poster

English | Arabic | French

Brochure

English | Arabic | French

Regional Director's quotes

Social media cards

Related link

World AIDS Day 2020