Previously known as AIDS Update, this is the 11th annual publication to provide information about action taken by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to prevent HIV infection.

HIV/AIDS threatens to destroy a whole generation of leaders, workers, parents and youth, and to create a generation of orphans in the worst-affected countries. In many countries, the infection is creeping through the population, preparing to strike full-force.

Prevention is about striking first. Reproductive health information, services and supplies enable people to avoid HIV infection and to protect themselves, their partners and their unborn children from this deadly virus.

HIV/AIDS is higher than ever before on the political agenda of countries around the world. We know that prevention works, and we have consensus among nations about the need for action. Now that we have such awareness and commitment, we must talk about HIV/AIDS openly, honestly and directly and act to guarantee prevention, care and treatment to all who need it.

In June 2001, world leaders at the United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) on HIV/AIDS stated: “Prevention must be the mainstay of our response.”

The earlier the response, the better. Prompt, large-scale prevention programmes have reduced rates of HIV infection in Thailand, Cambodia and Uganda, and maintained low prevalence rates in Senegal.

UNFPA has much to offer in the fight against HIV/AIDS, drawing on more than 30 years of experience addressing sensitive issues that cut across many different sectors and finding ways to work in diverse social, cultural and religious settings.

For UNFPA, HIV prevention is based in our mandate to prevent sexually transmitted infections of all kinds and to promote reproductive rights.

To overcome the challenges ahead, we recognize the need for even stronger partnerships, especially through UNAIDS, and for the financial and technical resources to make good on our promises. The UN system, governments, civil societies and communities must join together— crossing boundaries, barriers and cultures—working in partnership with a single focus: to stop HIV/AIDS.

	Strategy for Prevention
	Country Commitments
	Regional Response
	Global Action
	Conclusion: Challenges

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