Across the HIV, hepatitis and sexually transmitted infection (STI) programmes, more focus is needed on providing targeted and comprehensive services for key populations, children, adolescents and young people, and pregnant and lactating women.

Success in the global HIV response is distributed unevenly and inequitably. While overall HIV incidence is declining, it is increasing among key populations in many countries and regions. The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS estimates that more than 60% of new HIV infections are among key populations and their sexual partners – highlighting the need to increase the focus of the HIV response on these groups.

In Eastern and Southern Africa, adolescent girls and young women are also disproportionately affected by HIV. Programmes need to focus on this group, as well as their male partners, since there are substantial disparities in access to HIV testing and treatment. Progress is not sufficient or quick enough and is not reaching the populations most at risk. Human rights violations, legal and structural issues, gender-based violence, and stigma and discrimination continue to hinder access to health services.

The 5 hepatitis viruses (A, B, C, D and E) are all very different. They have different modes of transmission, affect different populations, and result in different health outcomes. The burden of hepatitis B and C is often significantly higher among key populations. More effort is needed to integrate hepatitis and HIV services for key populations.

The global burden of STIs is huge, yet almost everywhere the response is weak. More focus is urgently needed to provide integrated STI services for key populations everywhere, and for the general population in higher STI burden settings.