HARPAS "HIV/AIDS Regional Programme in the Arab States"

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Towards the Protection of the Universal Human Rights of People Living with HIV {For Every Right there is a Responsibilty}

AIDS in the Arab Culture The Relgious and Cultural issues of HIV and AIDS: Readings and Preliminary Studies

HARPAS attending UNODC Global Stakeholders meeting 19~21 Feb. 2008

HARPAS participates in a global meeting, along with other partners, stakeholders to address AIDS transmission in prisons and via intravenous drug use. The meeting will be held in Vienna, February 19-21, 2008

Cairo, February 20, 2008: HARPAS Senior Program Advisor Dr. Ehab El Kharrat is participating in a global meeting for all partners, stakeholders, and decision-makers in addressing AIDS transmission in prisons and via intravenous drug use. The meeting is being held in Vienna, February 19-21, 2008, with Dr. Kharrat representing the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the meeting.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has called for the meeting with all stakeholders combating the spread of AIDS through intravenous drug use, with the hope of building support strategies to limit the phenomenon throughout the world.

Dr. El Kharrat is participating in the meeting in order to contribute to the development of strategies to better address this serious issue, and to create new means of cooperation between the UNDP and the UNODC.

In a statement published on the website www.harpas.org, Dr. El Kharrat reported that, according to the latest studies on the issue, a person living with HIV and practicing intravenous drug use can infect 2000 persons in just 18 months.

He went on to state that intravenous drug use in Libya and Bahrain is the leading cause of HIV infection, and is fast becoming the lead cause of infection transmission in Tunisia, as well.

UNODC is a major UNDP partner in stopping the spread of AIDS through intravenous drug use and human trafficking, which are associated with increased HIV infection rates. UNODC is the leading agency in combating illegal drugs and international crime, and supports UN member states in the war on illegal drugs and terrorism. The Office also works to help countries in their development of long-term AIDS prevention programs, and to provide support and assistance to those living with the virus.