COMMUNITIES
OPEC Fund and UNESCO: Joint efforts against HIV and AIDS in Asia
In March 2005 the OPEC Fund for International Development and UNESCO launched an initiative in 12 countries in Central, South East and West Asia to reduce HIV infection among young people by integrating prevention education into national education programs
HIV and AIDS in Asia
In Asia, an estimated 8.2 million people were living with HIV virus by the end of 2004, including 1.2 million infected that year. “The latest trends are indeed worrisome and leave no room for complacency,” said Mr. Suleiman Jasir Al-Herbish, Director-General of the OPEC Fund. The region has many obstacles to overcome in its efforts against the pandemic. Access to healthcare services is poor, there is a lack of high quality informative materials.
UNESCO and OPEC Fund’s joint response to the problem
Both Mr. Jasir Al-Herbish, Director General of OPEC Fund and Koïchiro Matsurra, Director-General of UNESCO believe that “Education is a key element in preventing HIV”. “Through this joint initiative”, Mr. Matsurra has noted, “UNESCO, the OPEC Fund for International Development and national partners will support countries as they develop and scale-up comprehensive education sector responses to HIV and AIDS, with a focus on children and young people, especially those who are most vulnerable.”
Main Activities
Activities being carried out under the two-year project include:
Grass root Activities
The joint Project also builds on and expand some on-going grass root activities such as:
Beneficiary Countries
- © UNESCO - Director General of the OPEC Fund, Suleiman Jasir Al-Hebrish and Koïchiro Matsuura, Director General of UNESCO