HIV

HIV confronts the world with many challenges. The humanitarian organizations have worked hard to meet them, making up for a lack of action in the earlier years of the epidemic. But far, far more needs to be done, in partnership with governments but also above all, with communities whose wisdom and resilience offer so much to the HIV response. That is why National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies around the world have come together in a Global Alliance on HIV with the resolve to do much more and much better in our collective endeavour against this epidemic. This commitment to scale-up is linked to specific and measurable targets to double, by 2010, the magnitude of our quality HIV programming in prevention, treatment, care and support, and in tackling stigma and discrimination.

Stigma kills

Stigma is a major contributing factor to worsening the plight of most people living with HIV, not just those groups most at risk. Stigma prevents people from being tested for HIV, and thus increases the risk of transmission. Stigma leads to the rejection of children orphaned by AIDS, and the casting out of women from their homes (even if their husband infected them in the first place). Given our mandate to promote humanitarian principles and values, the International Federation has a particular role to play in lessening stigma, mainly through partnership with and active inclusion of people living with HIV. When Red Cross and Red Crescent leaders stand publicly with people living with HIV and acknowledge their crucial humanitarian contributions, the stage is set for ongoing collaboration.

Community mobilization is the key

The solutions to HIV do not lie with outside experts. Community mobilization is the key to successful response and the volunteers of Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies all over the world can make a tremendous difference when properly supported. Our case studies highlight successful examples of this approach.