United Arab Emirates

Raising Awareness on HIV-AIDS

In the UAE, HIV/AIDS is a “low prevalence” disease and available data (both national and international) confirms that the risk in the UAE remains to date relatively low. However, Given the high influx of expatriate communities and the gradual transformation of UAE into a major tourist destination, the importance of advocacy and awareness raising is paramount.

To this end, Abu Dhabi Health Authority (HAAD) and UNDP have joined hands to strengthen AIDS awareness programmes throughout the UAE targeting major stakeholders including health, legistlators and private sector leaders as well as people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH) and government ledaders.

The United Nations Development Programme’s HIV/AIDS Regional Programme in Arab States – HARPAS is a key partner in this project. HARPAS has implemented a multi-sectoral approach in the HIV/AIDS response through key initiatives including the Religious Leaders Initiative, Private Sector Initiative, Legal Review Initiative, Arts and Media (A&M) Initiative,
Regional Arab Network Against AIDS (RANAA), Greater Involvement of People Living with AIDS (GIPA) Initiative, Women’s Leadership Initiative, Sub-Regional Initiatives, as well as a dedication to reaching policy level leaders for a committed regional response.

UNDP works to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and reduce its impact. As a trusted development partner, and co-sponsor of UNAIDS, it helps countries put HIV/AIDS at the centre of national development and poverty reduction strategies; build national capacity to mobilize all levels of government and civil society for a coordinated and effective response to the epidemic; and protect the rights of people living with AIDS, women, and vulnerable populations. Because HIV/AIDS is a world-wide problem, UNDP supports these national efforts by offering knowledge, resources and best practices from around the world.