HIV and AIDS
Over 40 million people are living with HIV. In 2003 alone, over three million people died of AIDS and a further five million became infected with HIV.
Empower target groups
Concern's HIV and AIDS policy acknowledges that although a major effect of the disease is to reduce individual, community and national capacities, remaining capacity is significant.
There are large numbers of uninfected people who, together with many people infected and affected, constitute the most valuable resource available to combat HIV and AIDS.
Concern's aim to contribute to the International Development Target
Response to HIV and AIDS is one of Concern's five organisation wide programmes. In the long term Concern's HIV and AIDS policy aim will contribute to the International Development Target adopted in 1999, which seeks to achieve a 25% reduction in HIV infection rates among 15-24 year olds in worst affected countries, and globally, by 2015.
Minimise impact
The policy's aim is to empower our target groups to minimize their vulnerability to and risk of HIV infection, and to minimize the impact of AIDS among those infected and affected by it. Concern will pursue this aim in all of its programme work (education, health, HIV and AIDS and livelihood programmes) including emergency preparedness and response.
Rapid evolvement
The HIV and AIDS pandemic is evolving very rapidly, and it is therefore important that Concern regularly review this policy and incorporate appropriate changes.
