An estimated 160,000 people are living with HIV in South Sudan, according to the World Health Organization. While there has been a decline in the prevalence of HIV among adult populations to around 1.6%, 11,000 children continue to live with the virus and only 28% are on life-saving treatment. Many people also have limited knowledge about how to protect themselves and others fear knowing their HIV status.
The UNMISS HIV/AIDS Unit helps build capacity to address this challenge in South Sudan through outreach programmes in collaboration with other key stakeholders, including UN agencies, non-governmental organizations, organized forces, internally displaced people, women, youth, faith-based leaders, and larger communities.
It also leads the development and implementation of a comprehensive UNMISS-wide HIV and AIDS awareness, prevention, care and support strategy which includes training staff about prevention strategies, providing voluntary confidential counselling and testing services, and chemo-prophylaxis for those exposed to HIV during the conduct of duty.
The Unit conducts courses and one-on-one coaching to promote positive behaviour among peacekeepers, UN agencies, NGOs, South Sudan’s uniformed services, and the larger population as well as producing various communications materials and conducting events to raise awareness.