Violence against women (VAW) and HIV are deeply interconnected, each fueling and reinforcing the other. In the MENA region, women face heightened risks due to gender inequality, stigma, discrimination, and harmful social norms. For women living with HIV, transgender women, sex workers, migrants, and others, these risks are even more pronounced.

This position statement, Breaking the Cycle, sheds light on the bi-directional relationship between HIV and VAW and calls for urgent, coordinated action to protect women’s health, rights, and dignity.

Download the full statement below as a PDF to explore the evidence, analysis, and recommendations.