Analysis and work over the last 20 years in countries across the globe shows that without a redoubling of efforts it will not be possible to achieve the 2010 and 2015 targets in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Stigma and discrimination are still major challenges in most countries, making it difficult for PLWHA to disclose their status and access services. While several leaders from our region have declared their commitment to the fight against HIV and AIDS, political commitment and leadership is in many cases poor. Civil society organizations are providing essential services in many countries, but doing very little on promoting accountability at national level. This is largely due to lack of advocacy space, skills and resources.

While HIV and AIDS presents a challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa, our region (Eastern Africa) with a population of about 220 million people faces a significant part of this challenge as highlighted in the table below. Furthermore, in many parts of our region, young women aged 16-24 are up to six times more likely to contract HIV than their male counterparts. Women’s limited access to resources and institutional power also places women at greater risk. Given the fact that in sub-Saharan Africa 59% of PLWHA are women, this gender inequity and increasing ‘feminization’ of the HIV epidemic must be urgently addressed.

Source:WHO/UNAIDS “Aids Epidemic Update: December 2005”