This is the first report issued by the WHO Regional Office for Africa that combines an analysis of the empirical data generated by HIV surveillance systems and progress made so far in expanding access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support services in the WHO African Region. It provides a regional and subregional perspective on progress made towards achieving universal access to priority HIV interventions in the health sector. It focuses on interventions that are especially relevant to the epidemiological situation in countries of the Region, some of which are predominantly implemented in the Region.