UNAIDS and UNDP commend New Zealand’s leadership in the HIV response
Original source: UNAIDS
UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé and UNDP Administrator Helen Clark praised New Zealand as a model for the AIDS response in a joint meeting on 6 March with the country’s Prime Minister, John Key.
New Zealand implemented early evidence-based programmes to ensure that vulnerable populations receive priority attention and support that was essential to control the spread of HIV. In 1987, New Zealand was among the first countries to introduce needle—syringe programmes for people who use drugs. It was also a regional pioneer in decriminalizing sex work (2003) and sex between men (1986). These programmes and reforms are widely credited with having prevented the spread of HIV among populations at high risk of infection in New Zealand. Nationally, HIV prevalence remains low, with about 0.1% of the population living with HIV.