Across the world, 36.7 million people are living with HIV

Everybody Count is the theme for this year’s World AIDS Day according to the World Health Organization (WHO)

In 2015, global leaders signed up to the Sustainable Development Goals, with the aim to achieve universal health coverage (UHC) by 2030. The UHC framework now lies at the centre of all health programmes.

To complement the global World AIDS Day 2017 campaign which promotes the theme “Right to health”, the World Health Organization said it will highlight the need for all 36.7 million people living with HIV and those who are vulnerable and affected by the epidemic, to reach the goal of universal health coverage.

Under the slogan “Everybody counts”, WHO will advocate for access to safe, effective, quality and affordable medicines, including medicines, diagnostics and other health commodities as well as health care services for all people in need, while also ensuring that they are protected against financial risks.

Key messages to achieve univeral health coverage

• Leave no one behind.
• HIV, tuberculosis and hepatitis services are integrated.
• High-quality services are available for those with HIV.
• People living with HIV have access to affordable care.
• The HIV response is robust and leads to stronger health systems