Globally, 37.7 million people are living with HIV, with 1.5 million new infections every year. Non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes kill 41 million people each year. Neglected tropical diseases, endemic in 149 countries, affect 1.7 billion people. Outbreaks of Ebola and Zika have devastated communities, hitting the poorest and most vulnerable the hardest. And the COVID-19 pandemic has become one of the greatest challenges humanity has faced since the second World War. As a result, fragile and under-resourced health systems struggle to cope with the catastrophic and chronic health and development impacts.  

In a world of increasing multidimensional and complex health and development risks, UNDP’s work on HIV and health is based on the principle that health and development are intrinsically linked, and that investments in health and other areas of development are mutually reinforcing. UNDP’s approach to HIV and health is integrated, multi-disciplinary and multi-sectoral with a strong focus on reducing inequalities within and between countries.  

The aim is to strengthen systems for health, including to regain lost ground against HIV, tuberculosis and malaria, and to address emerging issues such as non-communicable diseases, mental health and pandemic preparedness. UNDP’s work in HIV and health also contributes to the organization’s core mission of reducing poverty and inequalities, building resilience and helping to ensure that no one is left behind. 

To achieve this, UNDP works in partnership with United Nations, multilateral, government, civil society, academic and private sector partners to deliver health results for the most marginalized and vulnerable while driving equity, resilience and sustainability.  

For more information, see: 

HIV and Health Strategy 2022-2025: Connecting the dots – Towards a more equitable, healthier and sustainable future 

HIV and Health Annual Report 2021-2022: HIV and Health in Times of Crisis