Around the wolrd there has been huge advances in the prevention and treatement of HIV and AIDS – however the battle is not won.
In some of the world poorest countries across Africa and Asia there are still millions of people , living with HIV and AIDS who are not receiving treatment; or are denied the information and services they need to protect themselves and their communities from the virus.
Approximately 34 million people are living with HIV worldwide with only 47% receiving treatment.
In countries such as the UK, people enjoy access to healthcare and choices over their sexual and reproductive lives as part of basic human rights – Unfortunately this is not the case in many of the worlds developing countries.
Poverty, isolation and gender inequality often contribute to discrimination and stigmatisation resulting in the inability to access vital information and care.
The people who are most at risk of contracting HIV are frequently ignored or discriminated against by society increasing their vulnerability even further.
Interact Wordwide is a UK based charity concerned with combatting the issues which contribute to poor sexual and reproductive health.
Work is being done with vulnerable groups including women, sex workers and seuxal minorities across two continents in Africa and Asia to reduce the risk of transmission of the HIV infection.
For example, together with local community groups, Interact Worldwide is helping sex workers in Malawi to negotiate safer sex.
In many countries homosexuality is illegal and stigmatised – for example there is currently a campaign in Uganda to punish people found guilty of same sex acts to death.
Members of sexual minorities; transgender people, men who have sex with men and people living with HIV and AIDS face aggressive poverty and a terrible impact on their health as a direct result of discrimination.
One of Interact’s programmes in partnership with Solidarity and Action Against The HIV Infection in India (SAATHII) – is helping to provide health services to marginalised sexual minorities who would otherwise be excluded.
The aim of this programme is to change the opinions of the public on sexual minorities and people living with HIV and AIDs. Promotting change is done through using the media and work at community events.
For more information about Interact Worldwide’s projects or to find out how you can help, please visit www.interactworldwide.org.