UN HIV Programs

UN Policies on HIV/AIDS

Information for UN Staff

  • In addition, all UN personnel working in peacekeeping operations and duty stations may participate in a HIV awareness programme during their onboarding process and periodically on a local schedule that has been decided by the mission or country HIV program focal point
  • UN e-course containing the latest information on HIV as a workplace issue and is available in English and French. (Registration through Inspira: LMS-1402)
  • Further information on HIV/AIDS (Overview, Symptoms, and Treatment) is available on the WHO HIV/AIDS Webpage

Information for UN Medical Staff

HIV/AIDS Frequently Asked Questions (HIV/AIDS FAQ)

  • For general knowledge and Frequently Asked Questions on HIV/AIDS, visit the WHO Webpage: HIV/AIDS FAQ (English I French )

 UN System HIV and Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) Kit Program 

The Division of Healthcare Management and Occupational Safety and Health (DHMOSH) is now responsible for technical supervision and management of the UN PEP Kit Program on behalf of the UN Medical Directors.

What is the HIV PEP Kit program?

HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is an emergency medical response given to an individual who has been exposed to HIV to prevent possible HIV infection in the exposed person.

HIV PEP services typically comprise of the following:

  • First aid (depending on nature of exposure)
  • Assessment of risk of exposure to HIV
  • HIV testing
  • Depending on the outcome of the exposure assessment, a 28-day course of anti-HIV medication, with appropriate support and follow-up

Please note: For maximum efficacy, HIV PEP should be initiated as soon as possible after exposure - ideally within two hours or less and no later than 72 hours following possible HIV exposure. Adherence to the full 28-day course of anti-retroviral (ARV) medicines is critical for the success of the treatment.

Contents of UN’s HIV PEP Kit

The UN HIV PEP Kit contains enough anti-HIV medications to cover the full 28 days of antiretroviral treatment. Other contents of kit include:

  • Pregnancy test kit: to identify if an exposed woman was already pregnant before potential exposure to the virus.
  • Emergency oral contraception ("morning-after" pill):  to prevent unwanted pregnancy after sexual assault.
  • Patient Registry Form: to be filled and signed by the treating physician who will monitor the care.

Taking antiretroviral medicines as post-exposure prophylaxis should be viewed very seriously. Antiretroviral medicines should not be considered as an alternative to practicing safer sex.

How do I access UN HIV PEP Kit after probable exposure?

If you believe you may have been exposed to HIV as a result of an occupational exposure, sexual assault, criminal assault or security incident, or while giving first aid to an injured person who might be infected, contact the PEP Kit custodian at your duty station. You can get the information and location of PEP Custodian in your duty station from:

  • The local office of UN Designated Official for Security (usually the Resident Coordinator's Office)
  • The UN Medical Services if one exists at your duty station
  • Your human resources officer

HIV PEP Guidance and Tools:

Technical Guidance on Use of UN HIV PEP Kits

  • UN Medical Directors Guidelines for Use of UN-Issued HIV PEP Kits for Occupational/Non-Occupational HIV Exposure Occurring in UN Personnel and Dependents (January 2021) (English | French)
  • HIV PEP INFORMATION SHEET 

PEP Kit Management Memos & Templates

HIV PEP Kit Usage Reporting Forms

HIV PEP FAQs

Trainings

  • PowerPoint Presentation of Webinar on PEP Kit Custodian Training (English | French) 
  • HIV PEP Kit Custodian Mandatory Training Video Presentation (English | French) 
  • A quick overview and orientation on the UN HIV PEP program (English | French)
  • Pre Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Training (6 September 2022) (Video | Powerpoint)
  • HIV/Aids Stigmatization Presentation (6 December 2022) (Video | Powerpoint)
  • HIV PEP Kit Program Dashboard User Training (Video)
  • HIV PEP Kit Custodian Directory User Training (Video)
  • HIV Basics with Dr. Devika Dixit and Dr. Folaranmi Ogunbowale (22 November 2023) (Video)

PEP Kit Custodians

 For further information, contact DHMOSH Public Health at:  dos-dhmosh-hiv@un.org