HIV/AIDS affects both men and women. However, women are more vulnerable than men because of the threat of coerced and unwanted sex and women's inability to negotiate safe sex.

The spread of HIV/AIDS among women could be slowed if concrete changes are brought about in the sexual behaviour of men.

UNFPA, in collaboration with other United Nations agencies including UNAIDS, is actively supporting advocacy campaigns and programmes to help prevent the spread of the disease. One such project being executed by UNAIDS with UNFPA support is intended to strengthen the capacity of women's organizations and their networks, to address the challenges of HIV/AIDS in a gender-responsive manner.

For more information about how gender is a factor in HIV/AIDS, visit:
UNFPA Response to HIV/AIDS: Gender Perspectives.

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