Protecting the Rights of People Living with HIV/AIDS: A Key to Effective Response
The protection of the rights of individuals living with HIV/AIDS and those at risk is essential for an effective response to the HIV epidemic. The United Nations highlights that by continuously expanding access to HIV prevention and treatment services, eliminating discrimination, and safeguarding the rights of affected individuals, significant progress can be made in achieving six of the Millennium Development Goals in China.
The Journey of HIV/AIDS Response in China
Since China reported its first case of HIV 25 years ago, the country has significantly enhanced its HIV/AIDS response efforts. This has led to a marked decline in new infections, saving the lives of thousands of people living with HIV. As we entered the second decade of the 21st century, it became increasingly crucial for China to strengthen its response to HIV/AIDS.
Despite the progress made, HIV/AIDS continues to threaten public health. In 2009, there were approximately 48,000 new infections and 26,000 AIDS-related deaths in China. As the response efforts mature, it is evident that the protection of the rights of people living with HIV and high-risk populations will be vital for continued success.
Challenges in Controlling HIV/AIDS
Similar to many countries, China faces significant challenges in stopping new infections, particularly among high-risk populations, such as sex workers, drug users, and men who have sex with men (MSM). Ensuring that individuals living with HIV access necessary treatment is critical for saving lives and preventing further spread of the virus, including mother-to-child transmission.
The infection rate among MSM is notably high, having risen from 10.4% in 2006 to 19.2% in 2009. It is projected that nearly one-third of new infections in 2009 occurred among this demographic. Thus, it is imperative to rapidly enhance the response directed at MSM to curb the epidemic.
Eradicating Stigma and Discrimination
Addressing stigma and discrimination is essential for effective HIV response. Prioritizing the protection of the rights of high-risk populations ensures they are free from discrimination. Legal protection for the rights of people living with HIV should encompass confidentiality, employment, education, and healthcare access. Additionally, related policies must be thoroughly implemented to eliminate discrimination from families, the public, and healthcare providers.
Instilling non-discriminatory values in youth and promoting sexual health education is critical for fostering sustainable changes in attitudes and understanding.
The Importance of Advocacy and Community Engagement
Fear of discrimination, stigmatization, and violations of rights can deter affected individuals from seeking HIV prevention and treatment services. Therefore, the development of a five-year action plan underscores the importance of advocacy and stigma elimination.
Enhancing the participation of social organizations is crucial to successfully combat HIV/AIDS. These organizations have the ability to reach marginalized and discriminated populations, who often hesitate to seek government services. To maximize their impact in China’s HIV response, it is necessary to ensure that these organizations can legally register, seek funding, and operate within the legal framework.
Citizen organizations not only play a vital role in service provision but also advocate for the needs and concerns of individuals living with HIV and high-risk populations.
Looking Forward
Although reversing the HIV epidemic in China will not be easy, the country possesses the capability and resources to do so. China is preparing for its next five-year action plan for HIV prevention (2011-2015), making it an opportune moment to set goals, identify priority areas, and allocate resources to meet the commitments of the Chinese government towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals by 2015.
The United Nations system in China remains committed to supporting the government in achieving these goals, promoting a vision of zero new infections, zero AIDS-related deaths, and zero discrimination.
Author: Dr. Bernard Coquelin, Chair of the UNAIDS Theme Group in China. The UNAIDS Theme Group comprises members from UNDP, UNFPA, WHO, UNICEF, UNESCO, ILO, UNODC, UN Women, and UNAIDS.