POPLINE Document Number: 086740
Corporate Author(s):
United Nations. General Assembly
Source citation:
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OFFICIAL RECORDS, 1991;(Suppl 49):139-40.
Abstract:
This UN Resolution on prevention and control of AIDS was adopted on December 20, 1991. The resolution notes that the World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that 30-40 million individuals (90% in developing countries) will be infected with HIV by the year 2000 and that the epidemic will have produced 10-15 million AIDS orphans by that time. The UN expresses concern that the epidemic is increasing rapidly in urban areas and developing countries. The UN recognizes that the epidemic demands a multisectoral response and that discriminatory measures against people with AIDS not only force the epidemic underground where it is more difficult to combat but also infringe upon the human rights of the victims. The resolution stresses the need to promote safer sex behavior and to detect and treat other sexually transmitted diseases as early as possible. It also notes the importance of supplying young people in particular with sex and health education and counseling. All means of transmission should be targeted, including IV drug use and unsafe medical practices, and the status of women should be improved so they can protect themselves from unsafe sex. It is also important that scientific technologies and pharmaceuticals be made available quickly and affordably. The resolution urges Member States to give the AIDS pandemic top priority; to continue to develop national AIDS programs; to develop information, education, and counseling services; to adopt a multisectoral response to the socioeconomic consequences of AIDS; to encourage private sector, community group, and nongovernmental organization involvement; and to protect the human rights of infected individuals. The scientific community is asked to continue research into means of prevention and therapy. The WHO is asked to strengthen information exchange among Member States and to help countries develop plans to deal with the socioeconomic consequences of AIDS to women and children in particular. The Secretary-General is asked to use the capacities of the UN system to plan multisectoral activities and to earmark funds for requested assistance. The information capacity of the UN should be used to intensify public information activities. A report on the implementation of this resolution is to be made to the 47th session of the General Assembly.
Keywords:
RecommendationsIndex page
UN
WHO
AIDS Prevention
HIV Prevention
Sexually Transmitted Disease Prevention
Sex Behavior
Information Distribution
Sex Education
Human Rights
Research and Development
International Cooperation
Social Protection
International Agencies
Organizations
AIDS
HIV Infections
Viral Diseases
Diseases
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Reproductive Tract Infections
Infections
Behavior
Communication
Education
Technology
Economic Factors