Mind the gap: HIV and AIDS and older people in Africa

By the end of 2007, more than 33 million people worldwide were living with HIV, and AIDS was the leading cause of death in sub-Saharan Africa.

Tackling HIV in Africa has become one of the major priorities for African governments and the international community. But most programmes providing prevention, treatment and care exclude a key group from their work: older people.

HIV affects older people in two main ways. Large numbers of older people are themselves living with HIV. Many are also taking on vital caring responsibilities for loved ones living with HIV and the children orphaned by AIDS.

This briefing is aimed at the European Union (EU) and member states. It sets out the need to strengthen the response to HIV in Africa by providing interventions on the basis of genuine need rather than age. It highlights the ways in which older people can be infected with HIV and the vital support that many offer to their children and grandchildren.

It also cites examples of interventions that have changed the lives of older people and those who depend on them.

Download Mind the gap: HIV and AIDS and older people in Africa (1mb)