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Montreal Protocol: Stakeholders seek to validate HCFCs survey report

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Montreal Protocol: Stakeholders seek to validate HCFCs survey report

Following the review of the report of the survey of Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Manufacturing (RACM) companies under the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) component of the Hydrochloroflorocarbon Phase-Out Management Plan (HPMP) last August, stakeholders are set to authenticate the statement.

Ibrahim-Usman-Jibril
Ibrahim Usman Jibril, Minister of State for Environment

At a daylong forum scheduled to hold in Lagos on Wednesday, July 26, 2017, participants will review and validate the data of Hydrorohlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) consumption in the the country.

Officials of the Pollution Control & Environmental Health Department of the Federal Ministry of Environment as well as UNIDO will present to key stakeholders of the HPMP the anticipated strategy and schedule of Stage II of the HPMP, just as the gathering will set out to finalise the HPMP Stage II document for submission to the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol.

Nigeria, as a signatory to both the Vienna Convention (VC) for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and its Protocol, the Montreal Protocol (MP) on Substances that deplete the Ozone Layer, has benefitted through the Multilateral Fund of the Protocol in terms of financial and technical support given to enterprises to phase out the use of Ozone Depleting Substances in their operations.

The HPMP for Nigeria was developed by the Federal Ministry of Environment and UNDP. The project aims to phase-out Hydrorohlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) by 2040 as part of Nigeria’s obligation as a developing country under the Montreal Protocol which was ratified in 1987, but came into force in January 1988, with 46 signatories and 197 member countries, including Nigeria.

In line with the overarching HPMP implementation strategy for Nigeria, UNIDO is implementing ODS phase-out programmes and projects in the Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Manufacturing Sector (RAMS) for Stage II which aims to phase-out 35 per cent of the consumption of HFCFs in the country. Under the first phase, UNIDO distributed 75 low pressure foaming machines and spare parts and built technical capacity of refrigeration and air-conditioning manufacturers in 13 states across Nigeria.

UNIDO supports developing countries and economies in transition in their environmental management efforts, including the implementation of multilateral environmental agreements. As an implementing agency for the Montreal Protocol since 1992, UNIDO has successfully implemented over 1,200 projects in more than 98 countries and contributed to the phase-out of about 70,287 tonnes of ODS globally.

Bill proposes National Council on Climate Change

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Bill proposes National Council on Climate Change

The establishment of a National Council on Climate Change appears to be a noteable feature of the National Climate Change Bill, which was last week in Abuja presented to stakeholders.

Eugene Itua
Dr. Eugene Itua presenting the National Climate Change Bill to stakeholders at the National Assembly

At a Public Hearing at the National Assembly Complex on Thursday, July 20, 2017, the “Bill for an Act to Provide a Framework for the Mainstreaming of Climate Change Responses and Actions into Government Policy Formulation and Implementation, and the Establishment of the National Climate Change Council; and for Other Related Purposes” was the subject of discussion wherein legislators and other participants sought to make an input into the proposed legislation.

Among other provisions, the bill seeks to establish a National Council on Climate Change, which is expected to be a body corporate, and operate as a juristic person.

In a presentation at the forum, Dr Eugene Itua, Chairman, Panel of Experts that drafted the bill, stressed that, besides ensuring the mainstreaming of climate change development plans, strategies and programmes, the Council will also guarantee public participation in mainstreaming the effects of climate change.

“While overseeing the implementation of sectoral targets and guidelines for the regulation of greenhouse emission and other anthropogenic causes of climate change, the Council will likewise identify and mobilise financial resources to support climate change actions including the establishment of appropriate mechanism for the administration and management of any such resources including any Climate Change Fund,” he stated.

According to him, the need to protect Nigeria’s climate is long overdue, adding that the best remedy and approach is through a very strong and sustainable legislation.

“Global response on climate change has been encouraging and, Nigeria, being a signatory to the Paris Agreement, must come out with legislation pursuant to that agreement. This bill provides the basis for further stimulating adequate responses and reaping the benefits therein for the nation,” Dr Itua, a safeguard specialist, stressed.

The bill comprises seven parts and 26 clauses. The seven parts are:

  • Scope and Guiding Principles on Climate Change;
  • Establishment, Composition, Functions and Duties of the National Council on Climate Change, Technical Advisory Committee and  the National Climate Change Agency;
  • Framework Strategy and Programme on Climate  Change;
  • Duties relating to Climate Change;
  • Climate Fund and Financial Provisions;
  • Miscellaneous Provisions; and,
  • Delegated Legislation.

Experts believe that a National Climate Change Law would go a long way towards addressing enevironment and development challenges.

The National Adaptation Strategic Plan of Action (NASPA) is said to represents the nation’s most comprehensive adaptation policy direction and guide. It was developed in 2011 through a multi-stakeholder process comprising the Federal Ministry of Environment, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), coalition of civil societies and community based organisations.

In Sept 2012, the Federal Executive Council approved a National Climate Change Policy Response Strategy (NCCPRS), also referred to as National Climate Change Policy (NCCP).

In Nov 2015, Nigeria submitted its Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) (now Nationally Determined Contributions – NDCs) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

In Dec 2015, Nigeria participated in the Paris Conference on Climate Change (COP 21) where the Paris Agreement was reached. A year later in Sept 22, 2016, President Muhammadu Buhari signed the Paris Agreement at the United National General Assembly in New York, USA.

Forty-nine days after President Buhari on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 in Abuja signed the instrument of ratification of the Paris Agreement, Nigeria’s endorsement of the global treaty took effect on Tuesday, May 16, 2017 when the country officially presented the authorisation.

Hitherto in 2009, the 6th National Assembly passed a Bill for the establishment of a National Climate Change Commission, but this never came to fruition.

The 7th National Assembly made an attempt to revive the Bill with some amendments; this too never saw any success.

Flooding: Lagos orders owners of properties blocking drainage channels to quit

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Flooding: Lagos orders owners of properties blocking drainage channels to quit

In a bid to mitigate the incidence of flooding, the Lagos State Government on Sunday, July 23, 2017 ordered owners of properties erected on drainage channels and impeding the free-flow of water to immediately vacate or risk being removed.

Lekki flood
Flooded highway in Lekki, Lagos

In a statement signed by the Commissioner for the Environment, Dr. Babatunde Adejare, government expressed dismay that the lawless activities of some people was constantly putting the lives and property of residents at risk.

Adejare listed some of the areas where properties were erected on drainage channels to include Illubirin, Dolphin Estate, Osborne Foreshore Estate, Ikoyi, Osapa London, Ikota, Ogombo, and Lekki, noting that the massive investment of public fund into drainage clearing and de-silting had been compromised by structures hindering the free-flow of water.

The Commissioner said government was seriously concerned that man-made causes, particularly impediment of free-flow of storm water through indiscriminate erection of buildings on drainage alignments, right of way and water courses, have played a major role in the recent experience of flooding in the state.

He added: “Therefore, it is now of paramount importance that owners of buildings or structures impeding the free-flow of storm water, wherever they exist in the state, are advised to voluntarily quit forthwith in the overriding public interest or risk being removed by the State Government as no responsible government will allow the interest of a few to jeopardise the wellness and wellbeing of the generality of its people.

“In view of the grievous consequences of compromising drainage right of way and alignment, Lagosians are hereby warned to henceforth refrain from this illegal act, report perpetrators and cooperate with the Lagos State Government in its bid to achieve a flood-free, clean and livable State.”

Adejare also disclosed that government had resolved to reestablish the right-of-way of drainage infrastructure across the state also to stem the tide of flooding.

He said the decision became necessary to enhance the ability of the drainage channels to effectively discharge storm water into the rivers, lagoon and other water bodies and relieve Lagosians of the incidence of flood.
He said: “For the avoidance of doubt, Lagosians are once again reminded that the right of way for primary unlined (without concrete) channel is 25 metres and 15 metres for primary lined (with concrete) channel, while the right of way for secondary/connector channel is seven meters. The right of way for tertiary channel is three meters from the fence of the house.

“Primary channels such as canals are those emptying directly into the river, lagoons and other water bodies, while secondary/connector channels connect water from channels in the frontage of the house (tertiary channels) to the primary channel.”

Why Meiran building collapsed, by Lagos government

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Why Meiran building collapsed, by Lagos government

The Lagos State Government on Sunday, July 23, 2017 attributed the building collapse that occurred at 7, Saidu Okeleji Street, Meiran in Agbado Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area of the state on Saturday to heavy loads placed on the building and substandard materials used for the construction work.

Lagos building collapse
Scene of building collapse. Photo credit: Premium Times

Reacting to the collapse, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Wasiu Anifowoshe, commiserated with the families of those that lost their loved ones to the unfortunate incident.

Anifowoshe then appealed to property owners and developers to henceforth adhere strictly to planning and building laws and regulations to forestall re-occurrence of incidents of building collapse in the state.

He said the call became imperative in view of the need for property owners and developers to be mindful of the fact that people will reside in these structures and their lives are valuable.

According to the Commissioner, government is deeply concerned about the attitude of some developers not building in accordance with the relevant building rules and is therefore appealing to all owners and developers to build right for the safety of lives of Lagosians.

Speaking on the building collapse, Anifowoshe said: “Investigation and reports revealed that the old building had building materials stacked on the decking and due to the heavy downpour, the decking caved in on a woman and her baby who were unfortunate to be beneath the decked shop at the time of collapse. Sadly, they lost their lives.

“The site of the collapse has a completed bungalow and a shop extension in front which had a decking stacked with loads of building materials. The shop occupied a small portion of land of about three metres. Both developments in question had no planning permit and substandard materials were used for construction. It had been identified by the Building Control Officers in that area and served the statutory stop work notices and monitored for compliance.”

The Commissioner also disclosed that others who were trapped in the collapsed building have been rescued and given immediate medical attention by the Lagos State Emergency and Rescue Team.

Anifowoshe said that, having experienced series of collapse earlier in the year, the Lagos State Building Control Agency had swung into action by embarking on a comprehensive audit of buildings within the State with the view to identifying defective structures for immediate removal to avert recurrences.

He said: “As you all are aware, as a Government, we follow due process in the discharge of our duties. Whenever we discover a defective structure, we serve all relevant statutory notices and in no time seal off the building and appeal to occupants to vacate the distressed buildings for safety reasons. Unfortunately, most of the occupants seize the opportunity of weekends and public holidays to move back in to these dangerous structures.

“As a result of the audit conducted, the Lagos State Building Control Agency as at today has identified 139 of such defective structures for removal and work has commenced in earnest. It is however very unfortunate that this particular building came down before removal.”

While urging Lagosians to comply with planning and building regulations and not to reside in or use defective structures, the Commissioner appealed to the people to join hands with government in monitoring to rid the State of illegal developments by reporting such developments to the nearest Building Control District Office.

Anifowoshe added: “Also, as part of our responsibility towards protecting the lives of Lagosians, we have commenced a public awareness campaign to sensitise Lagosians on the importance of strict adherence to planning and building regulations. These we are doing through all available media platforms. We are also engaging stakeholders on different strata of the society so as to jointly tackle the menace.”

Besides, the Commissioner warned that no defaulter would be spared as they would be brought to book in accordance with relevant laws, saying that Government had been working tirelessly to ensure that building laws are complied with so as to achieve a significant reduction in cases of building collapse.

A woman and her daughter reportedly died in the collapse. According to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), a five-year-old girl was rescued alive and was immediately taken to the General Hospital, Ikeja, by the State Ambulance Service.

Raising climate awareness through music

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Raising climate awareness through music

The environmental music project ClimateKeys is inviting pianists and climate experts from all over the world to come together to raise public awareness on climate change. The series of concerts, starting in autumn 2017, will combine piano performances and open discussions on climate, empowering the audience to better understand the issues and the opportunities behind climate change.

patricia-espinosa
Patricia Espinosa, executive secretary of the UNFCCC

“Artists are useful for filtering climate messages in ways that can be processed more readily through emotions, and direct interaction with experts can inspire the public to make climate change part of their conversations,” says ClimateKeys founder, Lola Perrin.

While climate change and its effects increasingly impact every aspect of our daily lives, public occasions to engage with climate specialists remain limited. Creating opportunities for discussion with experts, as part of cultural events such as piano concerts, can contribute to boosting public engagement with climate change issues and mobilising citizens around the Paris Climate Change Agreement.

 

Raising Awareness on Climate Change through Music

Composer pianist Lola Perrin invites pianists around the world to perform a variety of repertoires, ranging from Bach to Bartók, with some players choosing to include her own compositions as part of ClimateKeys. The project aims at celebrating the beauty of piano music to promote an optimistic mindset to address climate change.

“My pieces are both imaginative and realist visions that we are essentially the crew of a very large space ship, dangerously tampering with the systems we rely on. We’re sleepwalking and need to wake ourselves up, we need to be more creative and do better,” she says.

Lola Perrin launched the initiative based on her touring project in the United Kingdom. Since September 2016, she has been performing piano concerts in collaboration with expert guest speakers, engaging the audience in conversation about how to respond positively to climate change.

The enthusiastic response to this concept inspired the American-born and London-based pianist to found ClimateKeys, to encourage pianists across the world to mimic this concert structure in their own regions, and to open up classical performing spaces as new arenas for climate conversation.

Under the slogan ‘Keyboard conversations across the world,’ the project also aims at triggering dialogue about climate change outside the event and lead to increased engagement in local communities.

“Most people who are asked when they last had a conversation about climate change say they cannot recall ever having talked about climate change, so I decided that my audiences would have that conversation in my own concerts.  I found I couldn’t carry on composing and performing as if climate change wasn’t threatening the very continuation of our civilisation,” she says.

 

A Collaboration between Pianists, Speakers and Audiences from All Over the World

So far, 55 concert pianists from 19 countries, ranging from India to Serbia and from South Africa to China, have joined the ClimateKeys project. They will perform together with guest speakers from all over the world, including experts on climate change and related areas, such as economy, biology, architecture and sustainability, who will facilitate a conversation with the audience.

ClimateKeys begins in October 2017, and several concerts will take place on 6-17 November 2017, to coincide with COP23, the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference, held in Bonn, Germany. 25 concert dates have been announced in 7 countries, and many more are being planned into 2018.

Lola Perrin also encourages other pianists and musicians to join ClimateKeys. “Together we could multiply the conversations right around the world, thereby transforming the classical concert space into an arena for these critical climate discussions. ClimateKeys offers a rare opportunity for the isolated solo pianist to be part of a global environmental musical movement!” she says.

Brazil, UN-Habitat collaborate to improve Alagoas conditions

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Brazil, UN-Habitat collaborate to improve Alagoas conditions

UN-Habitat and the State Government of Alagoas in Brazil have initiated a new project that includes a joint elaboration of urban, economic and social development strategies, focused on the production of data and qualified information, especially in informal settlements locally known as “grotas”. The objective is to contribute with public administration in order to increase living conditions of the citizens of Alagoas.

Alagoas
Alagoas, Brazil

The project stems from an integrated vision of development, guided by important global agendas such as the Sustainable Development Goals and the New Urban Agenda, and it will use UN-Habitat’s methodologies and tools for holistic and territorialized public policies, fostering more prosperous cities.

Recently, the project was officially launched by the Governor of Alagoas, Mr. Renan Filho, named “Vida Nova nas Grotas”, in the presence of the Secretariat and the media. The meetings were attended by UN-Habitat Senior International Officer, Alain Grimard, and the National Officer for Brazil, Rayne Ferretti Moraes. The agenda also included meetings with community leaders from different grotas and visits in the communities, where the contact with the residents was enriching.

The two-year programme will be carried out in the grotas of Maceió (capital city) and will involve urban planning, infrastructure, accessibility, social inclusion, violence prevention and economic development. The general objective is the implementation of inclusive public policies that will contribute to the social and economic development of the communities. Collecting and managing data, as well as the challenges of participatory governance, are also important elements of this project.

“UN-Habitat is very pleased to be associated to this initiative from the State of Alagoas, which is putting the grotas at the centre of Maceio’s sustainable development strategy. We share with the authorities and the population this new vision outlined in the New Urban Agenda, aiming to ensure the safety and development of everyone who lives in urban areas,” said Mr. Grimard.

Governor Filho also celebrated the agreement. “This is a key exchange for the State and it comes with the first partnership between the United Nations and the Government in the history of Alagoas. We expect a huge progress in our actions as a result of the exchange of successful international experiences and UN’s credibility,” he said.

Biosafety agency underlines need for research, credibility

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Biosafety agency underlines need for research, credibility

Dr. Rufus Ebegba, Director General/CEO, National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), has urged Nigerians to always research information from credible sources in order to be adequately informed and prevent misinformation.

NMBA
Dr. Henry Sawyerr, Dean, Environmental Health Sciences Department, Kwara State University (left), with Dr. Rufus Ebegba, DG/CEO, National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA)

Dr. Ebegba made the submission while enlightening some staff and students of the Environmental Health Sciences Department of Kwara State University, who paid an educational visit to the Agency. Discussions bordered on the mandate of the Agency, the meticulous processes involved in the Agency’s establishment and progress so far.

“The young ones here need to be informed accurately on the intricacies of biosafety regulation in the country and the role this Agency plays,” he declared.

Dr. Henry Sawyerr, Dean, Environmental Health Sciences Department, in a remark, thanked the Agency for the opportunity given to the Department to understand the functions of the Agency in terms of protection of the environment.

“We thank you for your time and for these regulatory instruments given to enlighten us on the biosafety regulatory process in the country,” Dr Sawyerr stated.

He said this at the close of the visit after the DG/CEO NBMA presented the Department with several regulatory instruments utilised by the Agency in its daily duties.

The Department, which visited the Agency to learn its contribution to the development of environmental policies on health and safety in Nigeria, also paid a visit to the state-of-the-art GMO Detection and Analysis Laboratory and members of the delegation were given a tour of the facilities.

Ex Rangers coach to get N16.7m for wrongful dismissal

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Ex Rangers coach to get N16.7m for wrongful dismissal

The League Management Company (LMC) has ordered the National Professional Football League (NPFL) champions, Enugu Rangers International Football Club, to pay Coach Imama Amakapabo a total of N16.7 million for wrongful dismissal. The LMC also imposed a hefty fine on a top Enugu Rangers Official for breach of mediation.

Rangers-International-FC
Rangers International FC of Enugu

The LMC directed Rangers to pay the sacked coach various sums including N14.56 million, representing a salary accumulation to October 2016, and compensation for wrongful termination worth N1.6 million, representing the salaries for November and December 2016. In addition is another N600,000, which represents arrears and bonuses of last season, and $725, which is international traveling allowances owed Amakapabo.

Rangers and the club secretary, Joseph Onwukwe, have been charged with infractions of the NPFL rules and framework in the course of mediation proceedings in the dispute between the club and former coach.
The LMC has consequently levied sanctions on the club and the official, with Rangers fined N5 million and Onwukwe banned from all NPFL activities for a period of one year.

Meanwhile, Enugu State Commissioner for Sports, Charles Ndukwe, has called for calm in the recent arrest of Rangers coach, Imama Amakapabo.

Imama was picked up by the Police in Abuja on Thursday, July 20, 2017 and later taken to Enugu, following the alleged refusal to return the club’s possessions after his dismissal.

Mr Ndukwe, while admitting to owing and not paying wages to the coach, said the dispute would be sorted out in no time.

“We are looking into the matter and we are still discussing to see if there is a way we can ameliorate that. I don’t think it would escalate beyond that.

“I don’t know that up till now Imama is still with the vehicle and has not opened his apartment.

“This is government vehicle, and I expected it to have been returned even if he had been owed, so as to allow us look into the issue, as it is yet to be substantiated,” Ndukwe explained.

Imama was sacked by Rangers in April last year after leading the club to their first title in 32 years, last season.

He is making claims of wrongful dismissal, and seeking compensation worth up to N38 million.

By Felix Simire

UPS commits to more alternative vehicles, fuel, renewable power by 2025

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UPS commits to more alternative vehicles, fuel, renewable power by 2025

UPS has announced aggressive new sustainability goals to add more alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles to its fleet while increasing its reliance on renewable energy sources. The goals, available in the company’s 2016 Corporate Sustainability Report, support UPS’s commitment to reduce its absolute greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from global ground operations 12 percent by 2025, a goal developed using a methodology approved by the Science Based Targets initiative.

UPS
Alternative fuel: UPS Propane Powered Package Car

“Because of our size and scale, we know our commitments can shape markets, advance technologies and be a catalyst for infrastructure investments,” said David Abney, UPS Chairman and CEO. “We rely on the ingenuity of our employees, suppliers and technology partners to help us reach goals that will transform the shipping industry and spur innovation.”

UPS has a goal that 25 percent of the electricity it consumes will come from renewable energy sources by 2025, a dramatic increase from the 0.2 percent in 2016. In addition, by 2020 UPS plans that one in four new vehicles purchased annually will be an alternative fuel or advanced technology vehicle, up from 16 percent in 2016. The company also set a new goal that, by 2025, 40 percent of all ground fuel will be from sources other than conventional gasoline and diesel, an increase from 19.6 percent in 2016.

UPS operates more than 8,300 alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles worldwide. The company’s fleet includes electric, hybrid electric, hydraulic hybrid, compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), propane and lightweight fuel-saving composite body vehicles. In addition to its use of alternative vehicles, UPS uses millions of gallons of lower-carbon footprint renewable diesel and renewable natural gas (RNG) in its fleet each year.

These initiatives reinforce the company’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact despite growth in e-commerce deliveries, which are driving up energy used to operate facilities and power its vehicle fleet.

The UPS vision entails a future smart logistics network of advanced technology vehicles and facilities powered by more diverse and sustainable energy sources, including on-site solar, off-site wind, renewable natural gas, renewable hydrogen, and renewable diesel delivered via advanced energy system infrastructure. UPS already deploys many of these technologies in its ground fleet and facilities, and plans to significantly increase their use in its worldwide fleet.

Since 2009, UPS has invested more than $750 million in alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles and fueling stations globally. The company used more than 97 million gallons of alternative and lower-carbon fuels in its ground fleet in 2016 and recently made an $18 million investment in on-site solar energy systems across eight facilities. UPS uses its Rolling Laboratory approach to determine which alternative fuels and technologies work best in each situation. From old-fashioned pedal power and electrically-assisted bicycles, to electric, hybrid electric, natural gas, renewable natural gas, propane and renewable diesel, UPS puts sustainability innovation into action, all over the world.

In addition to its environmental efforts, UPS outlined in its Sustainability Report workforce and community goals, including its commitment to achieve 20 million volunteer hours by the end of 2020 and its pledge to donate $127 million in total charitable contributions in 2020, including humanitarian relief and community safety programmes, through The UPS Foundation. The programmes provide support to communities around the world, including UPS’s work with partners to deliver life-saving blood, medicines and vaccines to remote communities and its support of relief organisations.

Concern over rising drug-resistant HIV

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Concern over rising drug-resistant HIV

The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Thursday, July 20, 2017 alerted countries to the increasing trend of resistance to HIV drugs detailed in a report based on national surveys conducted in several countries. The Organisation warns that this growing threat could undermine global progress in treating and preventing HIV infection if early and effective action is not taken.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of the WHO. Photo credit: FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP/Getty Images

The WHO “HIV drug resistance report 2017” shows that in six of the 11 countries surveyed in Africa, Asia and Latin America, over 10% of people starting antiretroviral therapy had a strain of HIV that was resistant to some of the most widely used HIV medicines. Once the threshold of 10% has been reached, WHO recommends those countries urgently review their HIV treatment programmes.

“Antimicrobial drug resistance is a growing challenge to global health and sustainable development,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “We need to proactively address the rising levels of resistance to HIV drugs if we are to achieve the global target of ending AIDS by 2030.”

HIV drug resistance develops when people do not adhere to a prescribed treatment plan, often because they do not have consistent access to quality HIV treatment and care. Individuals with HIV drug resistance will start to fail therapy and may also transmit drug-resistant viruses to others. The level of HIV in their blood will increase, unless they change to a different treatment regimen, which could be more expensive – and, in many countries, still harder to obtain.

Of the 36.7 million people living with HIV worldwide, 19.5 million people were accessing antiretroviral therapy in 2016. The majority of these people are doing well, with treatment proving highly effective in suppressing the HIV virus. But a growing number are experiencing the consequences of drug resistance.

WHO is therefore issuing new guidelines to help countries address HIV drug resistance. These recommend that countries monitor the quality of their treatment programmes and take action as soon as treatment failure is detected.

“We need to ensure that people who start treatment can stay on effective treatment, to prevent the emergence of HIV drug resistance,” said Dr Gottfried Hirnschall, Director of WHO’s HIV Department and Global Hepatitis Programme. “When levels of HIV drug resistance become high we recommend that countries shift to an alternative first-line therapy for those who are starting treatment.”

Increasing HIV drug resistance trends could lead to more infections and deaths. Mathematical modelling shows an additional 135,000 deaths and 105,000 new infections could follow in the next five years if no action is taken, and HIV treatment costs could increase by an additional $650 million during this time.

Tackling HIV drug resistance will require the active involvement of a broad range of partners. A new five-year Global Action Plan calls on all countries and partners to join efforts to prevent, monitor and respond to HIV drug resistance and to protect the ongoing progress towards the Sustainable Development Goal of ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030. In addition, WHO has developed new tools to help countries monitor HIV drug resistance, improve the quality of treatment programmes and transition to new HIV treatments, if needed.

The WHO “HIV drug resistance report 2017” was co-authored by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA.

“This new report shows a worrying picture of increasing levels of HIV drug resistance and, if unchecked, it will be a major risk to program impact,” said Dr Marijke Wijnroks, Interim Executive Director of the Global Fund. “We strongly recommend implementing WHO recommendations for early warning indicators and HIV drug resistance surveys in every national plan for antiretroviral therapy, and to consider funding them through Global Fund grants or reprogramming.”

Dr Shannon Hader, Director of CDC’s Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis, US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, added: “The new report pulls together key HIV drug resistance survey findings from across the globe that, taken together with other national-level data, confirm we must be forward-thinking in our efforts to combat resistance: scaling up viral load testing, improving the quality of treatment programmes, and transitioning to new drugs like dolutegravir.”

Dr. Hader continued, stating: “Overall high rates of viral suppression across three recent national Population-based HIV Impact Assessments showed that present first-line regimens remain largely effective. However, special attention to populations at risk for higher resistance, such as pediatrics, adolescents, pregnant women and key populations, will be critical to target more urgent interventions. We call on the global community for continued vigilance and responsiveness.”

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