HIV AND GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

Preventing and responding to linked epidemics in Asia and the Pacific Region

Gender-based violence affects men, women and transgender people – it is a grave abuse of human rights, a risk factor for HIV infection, and a consequence of stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV. Violence against women and girls in particular constitutes a global health challenge of epidemic proportions, and is one of the most pervasive and extreme manifestations of gender inequality. Addressing violence and gender inequality is therefore essential to ending the AIDS epidemic and protecting the human rights of all people to safety, equality and the highest attainable standard of health.

This guidance provides a summary of the latest global targets and evidence on HIV and gender-based violence (GBV) in Asia and the Pacific Region. It presents case studies on emerging good practice, ideas for cross-collaboration and guidance for advocates, programmers and policy-makers working toward achieving gender equality, ending AIDS and eliminating GBV. The brief is intended to provide a resource for advocacy, policy and program development for use by civil society organizations, NGOs, UN Agencies and governments in the region.