Publications

The WHO Global Health Sector Strategy (GHSS) on Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI), 2016–2021 (resolution WHA69.22 [2016]) includes country milestones for achievement by 2020 and global targets for achievement by 2030. In addition, countries were called to identify national STI targets for 2020 and beyond. From October 2019 through April 2020, a country survey was distributed to WHO Member States through WHO regional offices to measure progress towards the achievement of the following 2020 STI-specific milestones within the global STI strategy.

During initial days of COVID pandemic, HIV infection was not considered as a risk factor for COVID-19 or more severe disease. However, recent studies conducted in larger samples suggest that PLHIV (particularly with low CD4 counts or not under ART) if infected with COVID are more likely to have severe clinical course in comparison to HIV negatives (Ambrosioni et al 2021). Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has hugely disrupted HIV prevention and treatment services globally and created challenges to continue the essential service delivery. A recent modelling study suggests that in sub-Saharan Africa a 6-month interruption of ART would result in an excess of 500 000 adult deaths from HIV infection during a 4-year period and an up to twofold increase in mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

NCASC published second edition of user manual for HIV Care and ART Tracking (DHIS2 Tracker, mHealth and Biometric) System. This updated manual covers the series of changes made within the system after user feedback, developers changes, updates of the National Guidelines so that this will help all the technical staff (Clinicians, HIV Focal Person, Medical Recorder, HIV/ART Counselor and Data Capturer) of the HTC and ART centers of various non-government and government organizations to keep records and make reports of HIV-related services based on recommended format of iHMIS.

The Results Report reveals the catastrophic impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on the fight against TB worldwide. In 2020, the number of people treated for drug-resistant TB in the countries where the Global Fund invests dropped by a staggering 19%, with those on treatment for extensively drug-resistant TB registering an even bigger drop of 37%. The number of HIV-positive TB patients on antiretroviral treatment as well as TB treatment dropped by 16%. The report also highlights significant declines in HIV testing and prevention services for key and vulnerable populations who were already disproportionately affected. Compared with 2019, people reached with HIV prevention programs and services declined by 11% while young people reached with prevention services declined by 12%. Mothers receiving medicine to prevent transmitting HIV to their babies dropped by 4.5%. HIV testing dropped by 22%, holding back HIV treatment initiation in most countries.

The Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the HIV Response

The WHO South-East Region in 2019 accounted for nearly a million missing TB patients from the estimated incidence. Active case-finding (ACF) or systematic screening for tuberculosis is an important tool to reach out to missing TB patients. When appropriately implemented, the activity is cost effective, helps to reduce diagnosis and treatment delays, and prevents the spread of the disease. This document presents an analysis of published ACF studies from the Region. It can be used by Member States for effective planning, implementation and monitoring of these activities.

The sixth annual report on Monitoring progress towards UHC and the health-related SDGs in the South-East Asia Region provides a comprehensive overview on where we are and what is needed to achieve the UHC and health-related SDGs. The report highlights progress in the areas of reproductive, maternal, neonatal and child health, communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases and health systems. This year’s report includes forecasts for progress likely to be achieved towards those health-related SDG indicators where we can model projections to 2030. A section of this report examines health equity and who is being left behind in the Region. The final part of the report provides Member States’ SDG profile, reporting on health and health-related SDGs. The information and analysis in the report can be utilized to sustain and accelerate progress towards Regional Flagship Priorities and the SDG targets.

Member states recognized the need for all countries to have unhindered, timely access to quality, safe, efficacious and affordable diagnostics, therapeutics, medicines and vaccines, and essential health technologies despite challenges faced during COVID-19. Progress has been made in the areas of medicine pricing policies, transparency in decision-making processes, building resilient supply chains, and strengthening of National Medicines Regulatory Authorities (NMRA)s through South-East Asia Regulatory Network (SEARN).

Achieving the global target to eliminate HIV transmission among men who have sex with men (MSM) faces additional challenges from the lack of effective and scaled intervention to address a part of the population who use drugs in sexual settings (colloquially known as chemsex). In this report, is intended to deliver a practical toolkit for community-based organisations (CBOs) who work to improve health outcomes for MSM, particularly in Asian countries. This manual provides the contextual information on chemsex practices among MSM in Asia and offers information and interventions to respond to the situation appropriately.

The Strategic Plan 2018-2021 set out an ambitious agenda: to transform UNDP into a more nimble, innovative thought leader, more effective and efficient at delivering results, a trusted  partner for countries in reaching the SDGs. The Strategic Plan 2022-2025 continues in this direction, building on the progress of the last four years. It draws on assessments, evaluations and audits, and on the lessons of experience, including from COVID-19 response.