A 2004 study into HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections in Somalia found a mean HIV prevalence rate of 0.9% amongst pregnant women attending ante-natal care. There were some regional variations, but Somalia is considered a country of low prevalence, with concentrated epidemic in certain regions.

Experience from neighbouring and other African countries suggests that when infection rates exceed 1% they can accelerate rapidly, doubling or tripling within 2-3 years.  The dangers of the epidemic then become more visible as critical social structures from family networks to military capabilities begin to weaken, economic growth is stunted, social tensions are exacerbated and social welfare costs increase sharply, with the potential to nullify other investment in Somalia over the coming years.

UNDP is in the forefront globally and at country level, contributing to and supporting national responses to HIV/AIDS together with other development partners. Actively involved in Somalia for the last four years, UNDP Somalia has evolved into one of the main actors in the response to HIV/AIDS there. UNDP has an excellent understanding of the strategic activities necessary for a comprehensive response, current funding mechanisms, and in particular response gaps not funded. An active member of several HIV/AIDS technical taskforces, UNDP works closely with other UN agencies, the Global Fund for AIDS, TB and Malaria (GFATM) HIV/AIDS component management team, and supports the three zonal AIDS Commissions (Somaliland AIDS Commission (SOLNAC), South Central AIDS Commission (SCAC) and Puntland AIDS Commission (PAC). As a result, UNDP is involved in a wide range of HIV/AIDS activities focusing mainly on prevention (leadership advocacy, behaviour change communication, strengthening HIV coordination and management structures).

At the country office level, HIV and AIDS is a cross-cutting issue, and the HIV Unit therefore works closely with the three programme areas, ensuring that HIV issues are integrated into other programme activities. Through the Governance SICAD project , the HIV/AIDS unit support the three zonal AIDS Commissions, policy development and also works closely with religious leaders and Somali universities.

HIV/AIDS has also been incorporated into the work the Rule of Law and Security programme does with Somali uniformed services - police, custodial and armed forces.  The focus is on building the capacity of the uniformed services to address HIV/AIDS and supporting them in establishing structures for a comprehensive HIV/AIDS response.

Relevant press releases
UN says leadership vital in response to HIV/AIDS, Friday 30 November 2007

Useful publications
Reference guidelines for the clinical management of HIV/AIDS among Somali populations