The IATT was originally created in 2011
The IATT was originally created in 2011, and has since then been co-convened by UNHCR and WFP (under the UNAIDS Division of Labour, the two agencies are co-convenors in the area of “HIV services in Humanitarian Emergencies”, in partnership with other members of the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (particularly UNICEF, UNFPA, WHO and the UNAIDS Secretariat) and also works with UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board NGOs, other NGOs, donors and other non-UN actors. The IATT’s Terms of Reference were revised in October 2018 and reframe the IATT, given the changed environment (both in terms of HIV and its increasing integration as well as new humanitarian challenges) and resource situation.
The core functions of IATT
The core functions of this platform are, in the area of HIV in humanitarian emergencies, to provide thought leadership and technical guidance, to advocate for funding and policy outcomes, to act as an entry point for technical support and to contribute to strengthening country-level partnerships. The IATT-E operates principally at the global level, with the aim of supporting country-level activities that are - as far as possible - nationally owned.
Why respond to HIV in Humanitarian Emergencies?
Emergency-affected populations include those affected by conflict or natural disasters, both displaced (refugees and internally displaced persons) and non-displaced persons, as well as host populations, returnees and those in transition to recovery. Humanitarian workers, armed groups and uniformed services personnel also need to be considered in responses.
During emergencies, vulnerability to HIV infection may be increased due to the loss of livelihoods and the disruption of family and social networks and institutions, with the result that women, girls, men, boys and transgender may engage in selling sex for money, food or services. Conflict also tends to increase gender-based violence against women and girls, substance use patterns may also change and health care services may be disrupted, preventing PLHIV from accessing essential treatment, prevention and care services.
In some prolonged conflicts in Africa, HIV prevalence has nevertheless remained relatively low, for instance among refugees in a number of countries, indicating a complex relationship between risks and vulnerabilities, potentially protective factors and HIV transmission. However, unless adequate measures are taken, HIV transmission may well increase during post-emergency, recovery and reconstruction periods, associated with increased mobility and population interaction, including between rural and urban areas.
Do you have questions?
The Inter-Agency Task Team (IATT) on HIV in Emergencies (HIV-E) is a group of agencies working at global, regional and country level that seek to accelerate the global response to address HIV in the context of humanitarian emergencies. This interagency body is comprised of representatives of UN agencies, donors and non-governmental organizations.