News Release

Red Cross Red Crescent launch Global Alliance to battle HIV in South Asia

New Delhi, 1 December 2008 - Today, on occasion of World AIDS Day 2008, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (The International Federation) launched the "South Asia Red Cross Red Crescent Global Alliance on HIV" as part of a global effort to scale up HIV programming. The aim is to double the outreach of Red Cross Red Crescent HIV programmes in the region by targeting more than 1.5 million people.

The National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies of India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have signed up to the Global Alliance on HIV, with a total programme budget of 624.5 million rupees (12.8 million dollars).

HIV is still a major threat to public health throughout the world despite progress made over the years in some countries, warns the International Federation.

"HIV continues to pose a huge threat and many people in Asia remain unaware of the dangers. If there is something more deadly than HIV, it is complacency about HIV," says Dr Mukesh Kapila, the International Federation's Special Representative for HIV.

The Global Alliance HIV programmes will focus on supporting the most vulnerable groups including 400,000 young people, 80,000 people living with HIV and at least 7,000 sex workers. Country level programmes will focus on HIV prevention, care, treatment and the reduction of stigma and discrimination.

"This approach is the most effective way to make sure funding goes directly to those who need it most. Whether we are targeting tea estate workers in Sri Lanka or school children in Nepal, our approach is fully focused on supporting communities to address their own challenges." says Dr. Kapila

The International Federation estimates that, of the global total of 33 million people living with HIV, there are approximately 2.6 million in South Asia. Around 95 % are in India.

"The unique strength of Red Cross and Red Cross national societies is that they operate at the community level. Their volunteers are well placed to tackle stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV. One of the biggest challenges we face in South Asia is to overcome the myths and misconceptions surrounding HIV" says Al Panico, Head of South Asia Regional Delegation.

For further information, to set up interviews with Dr. Mukesh Kapila, the Federation's Special Representative on HIV and for photos, please contact:

Nupur Mishra Regional Health Information and Programme Support Officer International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies +91 98 10 50 53 96 nupur.mishra@ifrc.org

Paula Alvarado Communications Consultant International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies +91 98 73 18 57 13 alvarado.paula@gmail.com

The International Federation, the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross together constitute the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. For further information on International Federation activities, please visit our web site: www.ifrc.org