WHO consultation

Because of the concerns around the universal test-and-treat (UTT) model, the World Health Organization convened a consultation on the issue in November 2009. (See www.who.int/hiv/events/artprevention/en/)

This affirmed support for the following strategic directions for WHO:

  • Enable people to know their HIV status.
  • Maximize the health sector’s contribution to HIV prevention.
  • Accelerate the scale-up of HIV treatment and care.
  • Strengthen and expand health systems.
  • Invest in strategic information to better inform the HIV response.

It also laid out the following questions that would need to be answered for UTT to be a globally applicable model:

  • Are we convinced of the current evidence?
  • What additional research needs to be done?
  • Do we have the appropriate technology available?
  • What are the real risks and the potential benefits?
  • How can we expand testing and counselling while respecting human rights?
  • How can we reduce stigma and discrimination among populations at high risk of HIV infection and increase access to health services?
  • Is it feasible?
  • Is it affordable?

Among the more detailed research questions that needed to be answered for the model to be less crude were the following:

  • What is the acceptability of universal HIV testing and will it be genuinely universal?
  • How infectious are people receiving antiretroviral therapy, especially in settings where rates of sexually transmitted infections are high?
  • How well do people adhere to antiretroviral therapy in the long term?
  • What are the long-term failure rates for antiretroviral therapy and what are the subsequent resistance patterns? To what extent will these restrict the response to second-line therapy?
  • What are the effects of universal testing and antiretroviral availability on sexual behaviour?
This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.
Community Consensus Statement on Access to HIV Treatment and its Use for Prevention

Together, we can make it happen

We can end HIV soon if people have equal access to HIV drugs as treatment and as PrEP, and have free choice over whether to take them.

Launched today, the Community Consensus Statement is a basic set of principles aimed at making sure that happens.

The Community Consensus Statement is a joint initiative of AVAC, EATG, MSMGF, GNP+, HIV i-Base, the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, ITPC and NAM/aidsmap
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This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.

NAM’s information is intended to support, rather than replace, consultation with a healthcare professional. Talk to your doctor or another member of your healthcare team for advice tailored to your situation.