OF NOTE THIS WEEK

UNAIDS has launched a five-year initiative to help tackle gender inequalities and human rights violations that increase the vulnerability of women worldwide to HIV/AIDS, the BBC reports. The initiative aims to tie the women’s human rights movement with the global AIDS response and mobilize all constituencies, starting with UNAIDS and the UN Development Fund for Women, through increased political commitment, stronger capacity and increased resources. According to UNAIDS, HIV is now the leading cause of death and disease worldwide among women of child-bearing age from 15-49.

NEWS AND HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE DONORS

• The World Bank publishes a new note on the challenges, results and best practices of the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor HIV/AIDS Project
• PEPFAR releases its February newsletter

OTHER NEWS AND HIGHLIGHTS

• Scientists Urge Rethink on "Narrow" Health Goals (Reuters)
• Failure to Aid Drug Users Drives HIV Spread, Study Says (Reuters)
• HIV Prevention, Treatment Not Accessible to Migrant Workers in Southern Africa (Afrique en Ligne)
• Mozambique: Minister Calls for Faster Reduction in Child Mortality (All Africa)
• Uganda Gay Bill Critics Deliver Online Petition (BBC)
• U.S. Senator: Skip Europe AIDS Summit (Wash. Times)

HIV/AIDS MONITOR RECOMMENDATIONS AND POLICY IMPACT

• The HIV/AIDS Monitor has been tracking the policy changes among PEPFAR, the Global Fund and the World Bank MAP related to the recommendations that have come out of our research. Explore these changes using our interactive flash tool.