This Special Feature explores the lethal interaction between alcohol and the HIV/AIDS epidemic. As the UN High-Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS approaches, considerations of alcohol harm and alcohol policy solutions in the context of stepping up action to end HIV/AIDS are essential and require bigger attention.

The high-level meeting (HLM) on HIV/AIDS will convene from June 8 to 10, 2021, in the General Assembly Hall, at the UN Headquarters, in New York.

This event is pivotal because it will undertake a comprehensive review of the progress on the commitments made in the 2016 Political Declaration towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030, and how the response, in its social, economic and political dimensions, continues to contribute to progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The high-level meeting will provide recommendations to guide and monitor the HIV/AIDS response beyond 2021, including new concrete commitments to accelerate action to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as well as to promote the renewed commitment and engagement of leaders, countries, communities and partners to accelerate and implement a comprehensive universal and integrated response to HIV/AIDS.

New concrete commitments to accelerate action to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic are important because alcohol remains a major risk factor that continues to be overlooked; this jeopardizes the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS.

Understanding the problem and the potential of alcohol policy solutions

Alcohol policy is a catalyst for achieving the global goals towards ending the HIV/ AIDS epidemic.

Latest studies on the lethal interaction between alcohol and HIV/AIDS

Movendi International has curated recent studies to shed light on the lethal interaction between alcohol and HIV/AIDS – and its multiple pathways:

  • linking alcohol with gender-based violence and HIV;
  • the need for alcohol behavior interventions to prevent HIV/ AIDS; and
  • the case of Eswatini illustrating the problem of alcohol use among people living with HIV/AIDS.

Policy statement on the potential of addressing alcohol as HIV/AIDS risk factor

In 2018, Movendi International delivered two statements at the UN AIDS Program Coordination Board to contribute to the conversation about better addressing alcohol’s role in the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Overview of relevant scientific studies

A curated selection of studies illustrates the role alcohol harm plays in the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

The healthcare and health system response

Alcohol harm in PLWHA


Source Website: Keep Updated with Movendi International