In 2001 the international community committed itself to attain the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 6 to effectively and sustainably respond to HIV and AIDS, Malaria and other diseases. The present document illustrates in which priority areas and through which measures Germany currently contributes to the global response to HIV and how it will do so in the coming years. The main pillars of the German contribution to the global HIV response are the realisation of human rights, including , e.g., a particular attention to disadvantaged groups and the promotion of the participation of civil society; effective HIV prevention and health system strengthening including integrated services with the aim of universal access to prevention, testing and therapy.

The document depicts the difficult situation that people whose sexual orientation or gender identity does not conform to majority norms are facing in many parts of the world, how they are particularly affected by HIV and how German Development Cooperation addresses this issue.

This policy brief lays out the German position for Germany’s international partners and provides a policy framework for decision-makers in German Development Cooperation. The first part discusses the rationale for a gender-sensitive, gender-transformative global response to HIV, describes the relevant international initiatives and resolutions and outlines the political commitment of the German Government. The second part discusses the priority areas of action that constitute Germany’s policy framework.

The present sector concept for the health sector frames current challenges in this context and presents aims of the German commitment to contribute to the effective, efficient, equitably funded health care provision in the partner countries.

The present paper presents the position taken by German development policy with regard to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and population dynamics which forms the foundation for guiding Germany’s cooperation with national and international partners. For German Government, SRHR is both, a precondition and a vehicle to reach international development goals including the MDGs.

The paper on HIV-prevention presents the focus areas of German Development Cooperation in supporting its partners. It outlines the seven strategic starting points of cooperation to effectively tackle the challenges which go hand in hand with the epidemic.

The paper outlines the position of German development policy on a human rights-based approach in health-related development cooperation, puts and emphasis on the need of an increased commitment, presents areas of action and describes further challenges.