Universal Access 'A Fantasy' As Over 50s Remain Excluded From Global AIDS Response

Main Category: HIV / AIDS
Also Included In: Seniors / Aging
Article Date: 02 Dec 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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The United Nations will fail to meet its target of universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support by 2010 if older people continue to be excluded from global responses to the pandemic, charities HelpAge International and Help the Aged warn on World AIDS Day 2008.

The UN's most recent estimates show that some 2.8 million people aged 50 and over are living with HIV, equating to 1 in 14 of the total number infected worldwide. Yet key data used by UNAIDS to measure impact and the spread of infection, specifically related to number of sexual partners and condom use, is not collected for those over the age of 49. The resulting lack of information on older people is placing millions in danger of contracting HIV as they fail to be targeted in testing and awareness-raising initiatives. It also suggests many more older people may be living with HIV undiagnosed.

Recent statistics from the Kenya AIDS Indicator Survey 2007 revealed that prevalence of HIV among people aged 50-54 in Kenya is 8 per cent - almost double that among 15-24 year olds who are often a key target group for policy and programme response.

"Despite clear evidence that older people are living with HIV, there remains a false and dangerous assumption that people over 50 no longer have sexual relationships. The omission of older people from key data collected by UNAIDS is perpetuating this." says Rachel Albone, HIV and AIDS policy adviser at HelpAge International.

"Where older people are not included in HIV testing initiatives, many are diagnosed only when they eventually develop an AIDS-related illness. At this late stage, the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy is significantly compromised."

Adequate recognition and support for older carers for those affected by HIV and AIDS is another area lacking in global response to the pandemic.

Help the Aged estimates that up to half of the fifteen million children worldwide who have been orphaned by AIDS are cared for by grandparents. Yet none of the core indicators used by UNAIDS monitors the impact of caring on older people, leaving millions who are struggling with the significant financial, social and emotional strain of caring without sufficient support. This in turn affects their ability to provide appropriate care for younger relatives living with HIV.

73 year-old Peter from Uganda cares for nearly 30 children orphaned by AIDS:

"Before the orphans came it was OK to sustain my wife and our immediate family. But now I have to buy everything - school books, clothes, food and look after the house. Three [of the] orphans are HIV-positive. When [they] are sick we have to buy their medicines. When my wife and I are sick we have to pay a consultation fee as well as buy what the doctor prescribes, but if there is no money we go without. I am always worrying about how I am going to find enough money. It is a big responsibility with nobody to help me. "

Richard Blewitt, Chief Executive of HelpAge International, says:

'In his statement on World AIDS Day 2007, Secretary General Ban Ki Moon restated the UN's mission to ensure universal access to 'all people - wherever they live, whatever they do'. Unfortunately, this seems to include everyone except older people. Until all age-groups are targeted in the global response to HIV and AIDS, the goal of achieving universal access to prevention, treatment, care and support by 2010 remains a fantasy."

'Given that the theme of this year's World AIDS Day is leadership, we hope the UN will show leadership itself by revising its indicators to help end the exclusion of older people in the fight against HIV and AIDS."

As part of its Age Demands Action campaign, HelpAge International and Help the Aged are calling on the UN to include older people in its HIV and AIDS monitoring data. To sign the petition and find out more go to http://www.helptheaged.org.uk/takeaction

Notes

1. Rachel Albone, HIV and AIDS policy adviser at HelpAge International, is available for interview. Please contact Julia Pitman on the numbers above.

2. Help the Aged has launched a new report, 'As heavy as a rock: how HIV impacts on older people in developing countries' highlighting how older people can be affected and infected by HIV. For a copy of the report, contact Judith Escribano on 020 7239 7540 or email jude.escribano@helptheaged.org.uk. You can also download a PDF of the report at http://www.helptheaged.org.uk and view our online photo gallery on the subject.

3. HelpAge International has a vision of a world in which all older people fulfil their potential to lead dignified, healthy and secure lives. http://www.helpage.org

4. Help the Aged provides core funding to HelpAge International, and is also a leading partner of HAI's global network of not-for-profit organisations. HtA to confirm standard wording

5. To mark World AIDS Day, the Overseas Development Institute, in partnership with HelpAge International, Christian Aid, the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, CAFOD, IPPF and Merlin, will host an event to discuss the future of the HIV response in the current financial environment.

The meeting will take place at ODI from 14.45 to 17.00 on Monday 1st December 2008. To attend, please register at http://www.odi.org.uk/events/2008/12/01-aids/index.html

HelpAge International helps older people claim their rights, challenge discrimination and overcome poverty, so that they can lead dignified, secure, active and healthy lives. Visit our website http://www.odi.org.uk/events/2008/12/01-aids/index.html to find out more about our work.

HelpAge International