HIV/AIDS and conflict

In the decade ahead, HIV/AIDS is expected to kill ten times more people than conflict. Although the highest HIV rates are recorded in countries without conflicts, rates are suspected to be high, and growing, such as in Angola, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Liberia, Sierra Leone, Sudan and other states where surveillance systems cannot function properly.

In conflict situations, young people are most at risk. HIV/AIDS and conflict are combining to threaten the lives of young people, especially girls. Many children have also lost their parents to warfare or to AIDS, and are living without protection and assistance.

In war, HIV/AIDS spreads rapidly as a result of sexual violence, low awareness about HIV, and the breakdown of vital services in health and education. Children and young people are being denied their rights under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Children have a right to information and materials that will promote their well-being, reduce their vulnerability to HIV/AIDS and protect them from the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS.