Access to care and support

People living with HIV have a wide range of care and support needs. These include psychosocial support as well as treatment for 'opportunistic infections' (the illnesses to which they become vulnerable as the immune system is destroyed by the virus). When their HIV infection reaches the stage that it becomes life-threatening, they require treatment with antiretroviral drugs.

However, the vast majority of people around the world do not yet have access to such services. Reaching out to them is a global priority.

AIDS-related care and support are key elements in the response to the epidemic: not only do they directly benefit people living with HIV, but they help also to reduce the social and economic impact of the epidemic and to boost HIV prevention.