Progress on the Acceleration of Health Sector HIV Prevention in the WHO African Region

ABSTRACT

In 2005; the WHO Regional Committee for Africa called upon countries to accelerate HIV prevention and to declare 2006 as the Year of Acceleration of HIV Prevention in the African Region. The strategy document that was developed by WHO Regional Office was adopted by the Region's ministers of health in August 2006. The strategy proposed targets to be met by 2010; in line with universal access targets; in areas of HIV testing and counselling; prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV; prevention and control of sexually-transmitted infections; blood safety; and access to comprehensive prevention; treatment and care. Specifically; it was envisaged that; by 2010; all districts will provide HIV testing and counselling services; 100100 safe blood and blood products will be ensured; at least 80of pregnant women attending antenatal care will access prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV services; at least 80of patients with sexually-transmitted infections will access comprehensive STI management; at least 80of people living with HIV/AIDS will have access to comprehensive prevention; treatment and care services; and condom use in high-risk sexual encounters will reach at least 60. This paper describes the progress made in accelerating key health sector HIV prevention interventions in the Region toward these targets and issues that should be taken into consideration for moving forward the HIV prevention agenda in the health sector