End prejudice against HIV and AIDS victims, arab experts urge

Calling for an end to discrimination against those suffering from HIV and AIDS in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, Arab-world experts at the Qatar Symposium on Family, the Millennium Development Goals and AIDS in the Middle East have urged societies in the region to jointly work to reaching zero discrimination and overcome the prejudices which are hindering universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support. The Symposium heard discussions revolving around ways to curb the increasing number of people infected HIV and AIDS in MENA, one of the few regions of the world where the epidemic is still on the rise. While the whole globe is going down on infections by 25%, Eastern Europe and the MENA region are going up, where new infections and prevalence have doubled in the past ten years and AIDS related deaths have tripled. Participants at the Qatar Symposium called for an action to mobilize various sectors including enhanced political commitment, better engagement of civil society, and further partnerships with civil society including the media and most importantly to place the family at the heart of the AIDS response. UNICEF''s Regional HIV and AIDS Advisor, Samir Anouti said, "AIDS is an unusual disease that requires an unusual response: a multi-sector approach involving governments, NGOs, the medical profession and religious leaders - there is a need for all members of society to work together. The centrality of the role of family is essential in response to the spread of the disease. This is where we look forward to the outcomes of this symposium." Hosted by the Doha International Institute for Family Studies and Development (DIIFSD), the Qatar Symposium is organized in co-operation with the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the United Nations Children''s Fund (UNICEF). UNAIDS''s Regional Director Hind Khatib, hailing the commitment and interest of participants at the symposium, said, "As little as 10 years ago it was difficult to talk openly about the problem of HIV and AIDS in the MENA region. "The openness of discussions and the dedication of participants here in Doha today demonstrate how far the region has advanced. Globally, increased awareness on HIV was brought about by activists and we are now starting to witness such impressive movements in the region. "The fact that people living with HIV are at the heart of the AIDS response shows that we have progressed and are moving forward in the right direction in terms of awareness." The symposium works towards eliminating the spread of HIV and AIDS, and highlights the need for a concerted effort to remove the stigma of the disease in the region, arguing that this discrimination prevents many from seeking or receiving medical assistance. DIIFSD Executive Director Dr. Richard G. Wilkins said, "In the fight against HIV/AIDS it is important to uphold family values first and foremost, minimizing behaviour that may lead to the spread of this epidemic. Most importantly, however, victims of HIV should live without fear of discrimination: discrimination from healthcare provision; discrimination from society; and discrimination from their families." (QNA) SSS/AMA