As World AIDS Day (1 December) approaches, AIDS Accountability International is releasing the first ever global scorecard analyzing country responses to the specific needs and vulnerabilities of women in the context of the HIV epidemic: The AIDS Accountability Scorecard on Women - Are governments keeping their promises? GNP+ is part of the Gender Development Team that produced the Scorecard.

This independent assessment and rating is developed through a comprehensive consultative process with health experts and civil society representatives from across the world. The Scorecard evaluates data on women that all governments provide as part of the 2001 United Nations Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS.

Globally, HIV and HIV-related diseases are the leading cause of death and disease in women of reproductive age. Women and girls are particularly vulnerable to, and disproportionately affected by HIV. Lack of accountability for addressing women’s needs hampers efforts to measure the impact of different approaches, reward effective efforts, adjust or stop ineffective ones and ensure good use of resources. Without better monitoring, the international community will be unable to assess whether the Millennium Development Goals and other internationally agreed targets are being met for a better response to women and girls in the context of HIV/AIDS.

AIDS Accountability International is an independent non-profit organization established to increase accountability and inspire bolder leadership in the response to HIV. Find out more about The AIDS Accountability Scorecard on Women 2009 at: www.aidsaccountability.org