Schwartlander says although it can be seen that investments are paying off, economic austerity is placing those gains in jeopardy.

“For the first time ever over the past decade or 20 years,” he says, “the resources available from international sources in 2009 were less than the resources made available from international donors in the previous year in 2008. While the difference is not dramatic, it clearly indicates that there’s a difference in the trend after having seen significant increases from year to year. This doesn’t seem to be the case anymore.”

The report also says there are still high levels of stigma and discrimination surrounding the disease some 30 years into the epidemic. For example, the report says in 79 countries and areas, same sex relationships are still criminalized. Some countries even impose the death penalty for those convicted of having such relationships.

What’s more, UNAIDS says violence against women and the fear of violence block many women from having access to HIV/AIDS related services.