UNDP - Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People

Responding to the World's Most Serious Development Crisis

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.

Combating HIV/AIDS in the oPt

Open discussion would not be an apt description of the way in which HIV/AIDS has been tackled within Palestinian society. There has long been a lack of discussion and dialogue on the issues surrounding the epidemic. Although the West Bank and Gaza has only a few reported cases, it is impossible to gauge the exact statistics and it remains vitally important for people, particularly the young, to be fully aware of the issues surrounding this global epidemic and the measures that can be taken against infection.

The data available for the oPt shows that the incidence rate of HIV/AIDS is low. Reporting of HIV/AIDS started in 1986 whereby according to the HIV/AIDS Surveillance Report 2003, there were 41 reported AIDS cases and 14 cases of asymptomatic HIV infection (73 as per MoH statistics, 2004, where east Jerusalem residents are included in the statistics). Of the known AIDS cases in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, 36 were male and 4 were females, with the predominant modes of transmission being heterosexual contact (54.5 percent) followed by transfusion of blood and blood products (18.2 percent), most of which were in cases where blood transfusion was received abroad. In combating HIV/AIDS, condom availability is a key intervention as a preventive measure. According to national statistics (MoH 2003 Annual Statistical Report), 30 percent of urban area clinics and 39 percent of those outside urban areas, have male condoms available. The overall CPR (modern methods only) is 35.7 percent according to the PCBS Demographic and Health Survey 2004. All blood donors and newly appointed governmental employees are screened for HIV/AIDS

The Palestinian Authority has not yet set clear targets for HIV/AIDS. The challenge is to maintain the low incidence levels, build awareness on prevention, and provide assistance to the PA for a multi-sectoral approach to combating HIV/AIDS in the future.

Educating the young on HIV/AIDS is a priority and one way in which this can be achieved is through partnering with youth groups. Efforts have already been taken in this direction through an awareness-building seminar, at which time a UNDP Arab Region produced AIDS-related film was shown and followed by an in-depth discussion.

UNDP/PAPP is determined to convene similar such activities, along with a range of other awareness raising initiatives, so that more young Palestinian men and women are correctly informed about HIV/AIDS and can speak openly about this global issue. UNDP/PAPP has also commissioned a Palestinian Human Rights NGO to compile a report on the legal framework concerning HIV/AIDS in the oPt, which will be inserted into a region-wide report addressing these issues.

In 2008, The Global Fund to fight HIV and AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM) approved a comprehensive proposal , submitted by the UN Theme Group on HIV and AIDS, to scale up prevention, treatment and care services in the oPt for 5 years for US$ 10,832,405. The Global Fund sponsored grants are based on the principal of a pyramid-like classification: starting with the Principal Recipient (UNDP/PAPP), legally bound to the Global Fund and responsible for the supervision and coordination of the overall implementation of the programme, to Sub-Recipients (WHO, UNODC, UNFPA, and UNICEF), responsible for the direct implementation on the ground either through their own capacities and expertise or through the Sub Sub-Recipients (The Ministry of Health, the National AIDS Committee, other line ministries, UNRWA, UNIFEM and relevant NGOs). The programme focuses on prevention of HIV and AIDS in the oPt and vulnerability reduction with most at risk population groups as well as strengthening the capacities and systems of the national counterparts in order to provide a stronger response. Access to treatment will be increased through this programme.