
Key populations
In some regions, such as the Caribbean or Eastern Europe and Central Asia, the number of infections has increased, in the latter by 57%, between 2010 and 2015. One of the reasons why the number of infections is not decreasing is the lack of attention for key populations, i.e. groups of people who run a higher risk of acquiring the virus, such as men who have sex with men, sex workers and people who inject drugs. These populations represent 35% of the number of new infections.
“The issue is access”
Twenty years ago, the number of HIV prevention options were rather limited. Now, people can choose from a broader spectrum, from condom use and circumcision, to treatment with HIV-medication as prevention. Unfortunately, key populations and young people often experience a lack of access to HIV services. “’Access’ is the issue”, according to UNAIDS director Michel Sidibé. “The issue is access — if people do not feel safe or have the means to access combination HIV prevention services we will not end this epidemic.”
Download the UNAIDS report