- Approx. 500,000 people are living with HIV in the MENA region.
- AIDS-related mortality has almost doubled in the past decade in the MENA region.
- Annual estimated new infections have almost doubled in the past decade in the MENA region.
- The HIV epidemic has been on the rise in the MENA region since 2001; In 2011 MENA was in the top two regions in the world with the fastest growing HIV epidemic.
- Stigma, discrimination and inappropriate laws continue to obstruct work for people living with HIV.
- Half of MENA countries report having discriminatory laws and policies that hinder effective HIV responses.
- The fact that the three Cs : Confidentiality, informed Consent and Counselling – of HIV testing are not widely used in the region has a negative impact on country efforts to provide universal access to treatment.
- Coverage of prevention programmes for key populations is low.
- The HIV epidemic is primarily concentrated among key populations at higher risk.
- Some countries in the MENA region impose HIV related restriction on entry, stay and residence of PLHIV.
Reference: UNAIDS Middle East & North Africa Regional Report on AIDS| 2011