WHO

This technical brief is one in a series addressing four young key populations. It is intended for policy-makers, donors, service-planners, service-providers and community-led organizations. This brief aims to catalyse and inform discussions about: how best to provide health services, examples of programmes that may work well in addressing their needs and rights, and approaches and considerations for providing services, programmes and support for young men who have sex with men (MSM).

PMTCT & Paediatric HIV/TB Lessons & Results from Using New WHO-UNICEF HIV-Adapted Community Materials

Report and recommendations from a meeting of the WHO and UNAIDS in collaboration with the UNAIDS Reference Group on Estimates, Modelling and Projections, London, UK, 28-29 October 2015.

Monitoring of individuals on ART is important to ensure treatment efficacy and improved health outcomes. Updated WHO Consolidated ARV Guidelines will be available in December 2015 and include recommendations on routine monitoring and the diagnosis of treatment failure.

WHO recommends initiation of ART for all people living with HIV at any CD4 cell count fixed dose combinations (FDCs) containing TDF/XTC/EFV remain the preferred first line regimen for adults, adolescents and older children For the first time, DTG and EFV400 have been included as alternative first line regimens for adults and adolescents. DRV/r is an alternative option as part of secondline regimens, along with LPV/r and ATV/r.

Differentiated care for HIV requires delivery of different care packages for people based on their needs. As more people start treatment it is important to maximise the quality of care and ensure efficient health services. 

Adolescents face significant barriers accessing and remaining in HIV treatment and care services. WHO guidelines in 2015 support initiation of antiretroviral therapy for all adolescents living with HIV. Adolescent friendly health services should be developed, including support for adherence and retention in care.

The international community has committed to ending the AIDS epidemic as a public health threat by 2030 – an ambitious target of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in September 2015. Interim targets have been established for 2020. This strategy describes the health sector contribution towards the achievement of these targets. It outlines both what countries need to do and what WHO will do. If implemented, these fast-track actions by countries and by WHO will accelerate and intensify the HIV response in order for the “end of AIDS” to become a reality.

The 2015 WHO consolidated guidelines on the use of antiretrovirals updates the 2013 edition following an extensive review of evidence.

The guidelines include 10 new recommendations to improve the quality and efficiency of services to people living with HIV. In addition, for the first time the guideline includes "good practice statements" on interventions whose benefits substantially outweigh the potential harms. The guidelines will be a valuable resource for health-care providers and should shape the priorities of policy makers. Meaningful engagement of people living with HIV will be essential for successful implementation.