UNAIDS, short for the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, is an international organization that aims to lead, strengthen, and coordinate the global response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic. It was established in 1996 to promote global action against HIV/AIDS, bring together diverse organizations and communities, and support countries in their efforts to prevent new infections, provide access to treatment, care, and support for those affected by the virus, and ultimately work towards ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
With its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, UNAIDS operates within the framework of the United Nations system, collaborating closely with governments, civil society, and international partners. It provides strategic direction, advocates for political commitment, and supports evidence-based approaches to accelerate progress against HIV/AIDS.
The organization plays a crucial role in ensuring comprehensive, integrated, and effective responses to the epidemic, working towards achieving global targets such as the 90-90-90 initiative, which aims to ensure that 90% of people living with HIV know their status, 90% of them have access to antiretroviral therapy, and that 90% of those on treatment have viral suppression.
Through its leadership, UNAIDS seeks to empower individuals and communities affected by HIV/AIDS, challenge stigma and discrimination, promote human rights, and strengthen health systems to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of the response.
