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HIV/AIDS is now a global pandemic and its impact, particularly in developing countries, is devastating.

Whilst relatively few older people are known to be infected with the disease, the impact of HIV/AIDS on older people is enormous. For instance, in sub-Saharan Africa, adult infection rates are as high as 7.4 per cent and, in this region alone in 2003, there were an estimated 12 million AIDS orphans, many of whom were being cared for by their grandparents.

Around the world in countries affected by HIV/AIDS, older people are increasingly becoming the primary economic providers and carers for children - yet they are often excluded from HIV/AIDS programmes. Many more older people are primary carers for those with the disease and have been forced to continue working despite failing strength and health in order to support their vulnerable family members. Older people provide physical, emotional and economic support. In many cases, older people exhaust their savings buying drugs or turning to traditional healers for a cure. Older people may face the trauma of losing several of their children to the AIDS pandemic as many families suffer multiple losses and their household security is destroyed. For a detailed summary of the current situation, please follow this link: http://www.avert.org/older-people.htm

Unfortunately, the needs of older people are not always taken into account by national governments and international aid bodies in formulating their responses to the HIV/AIDS crisis.

In this section you will find information on the policy changes we are seeking to ensure the international response to HIV/AIDS meets the needs of the older people who are affected.

HIV/AIDS and the role of older people (March 2005)

This briefing outlines the key role of older people in countries affected by HIV/AIDS and urges action to address the needs of this most vulnerable group within the context of the wider global response.

Briefing on HIV/AIDS (2005)

Briefing by Help the Aged and HelpAge International on the role older people play in the survival and sustainability of families and communities - both as primary caregivers of many people living with AIDS, and as guardians of millions of orphaned and vulnerable children.

Policy statements

Valetta Declaration (November 2005)

This document was put together by an international group of experts on ageing at a special meeting organised by Help the Aged.  It was presented to the Commonwealth Heads of Government at their meeting in Valletta, Malta.  It reminds governments of their responsibilities to older people under the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, and it sets out keys steps that they can take to ensure older people are not forgotten in the fight against HIV/AIDS