At the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), a presentation of the UNAIDS “Framework Document on HIV and Climate Change” took place. The event was organized by the Nizami Ganjavi International Center and UNAIDS.
The event featured speeches by Marcos Neto, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); Vladanka Andreeva, UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan; Teymur Musayev, Minister of Health of Azerbaijan; Mbulawa Mugabe, UNAIDS Special Advisor on AIDS and Pandemics; Etel Maciel, Secretary of Health Surveillance at the Ministry of Health of Brazil; and other officials.
In his remarks, Minister of Health of Azerbaijan emphasized that the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remains one of the major global health challenges: “Every year, more than one million people worldwide are infected with HIV, and over 600,000 people die from HIV-related illnesses.”
Teymur Musayev highlighted the significant steps Azerbaijan has taken in combating HIV and the substantial progress achieved. According to the Minister, individuals living with HIV in Azerbaijan are provided with antiretroviral medications by the state: “Azerbaijan has established strong partnerships with international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Global Fund. By the end of 2023, Azerbaijan achieved notable progress in reaching the global targets of the ‘89-80-93’ HIV testing and treatment cascade for people living with HIV, which ranks among the best in the region.”

The minister noted that climate change was a central topic of discussion at COP29 and emphasized that speakers throughout the conference repeatedly highlighted the disproportionate distribution of its impacts. He stated that the countries most affected often contribute minimally to solving the global problem: "Weather-related disasters, rising sea levels, changes in rainfall patterns and average temperatures lead to population displacement, the spread of diseases, clean water shortages, food insecurity, and damage to healthcare infrastructure."
It was highlighted that evidence-based research confirms that such conditions exacerbate mental health problems, increase violence and child marriages, and promote substance abuse: "Interruptions in healthcare delivery further limit access to HIV treatment, prevention, and mental health services. This ultimately leads to increased morbidity and mortality, particularly among vulnerable groups. The complex effects contribute to rising HIV rates and undermine decades of progress in combating the epidemic."

"At COP29 held in Baku, the international community has come together to address the global impacts of climate change. Among the existing challenges, its effects on health are the most significant. Mitigating the health impacts of climate change is a long and complex process. However, the sooner we take the necessary steps, the sooner we will achieve success. Building climate-resilient healthcare systems and training the health workforce are crucial to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, including ending the HIV epidemic. Only through international solidarity, equitable resource distribution, and the exchange of knowledge and best practices can we create a climate-resilient society where health challenges are addressed, and the protection of public health is ensured," concluded the Minister of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The event continued with panel discussions.