NEW YORK – On the occasion of the HIV/AIDS High Level Meeting in New York, the European Union (EU) issued a statement renewing its strong commitment to the global HIV/AIDS response.
The EU and its Member States believe that HIV prevention is crucial to building a world with no new infections and that the key drivers of the HIV epidemic must be identified and addressed. A comprehensive approach is needed to address underlying causes such as harmful gender norms, gender-based violence and poverty. Access to comprehensive sexuality education – for both boys and girls – and access to reproductive health commodities, in particular male and female condoms, are vital for effective prevention of HIV. A special and continued effort is needed to empower young people with knowledge and services.
The EU statement also stressed the importance of better linking the HIV response to sexual and reproductive health. Access to sexual and reproductive health services should be regarded as a key entry point for prevention of HIV and for strengthening maternal, newborn and child health.
Click here to read the full EU statement.
