World AIDS Day: 21.3 Million People Undergoing Treatment In Sub-haran Africa – WHO

On this year’s World AIDS Day, with the theme: “Take the rights path: My health, my right”, the World Health Organisation, WHO, has disclosed that 21.3 million people are now on antiretroviral treatment.l, raising their life expectancy.

WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti who disclosed this in a message to mark the day also announced remarkable reductions in the number of new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths.

Moeti further noted that with the reductions being recorded, said the number of new HIV infections is higher outside of sub-Saharan Africa for the first time in 2023.

“The WHO African region is also the leading region globally in advancements towards the achievements of the 95-95-95 UNAIDS HIV testing, treatment and viral suppression targets, aimed at closing gaps in treatment coverage and outcomes.”

She disclosed that seven countries have already achieved the targets, 95-95-95 UNAIDS HIV testing, treatment and viral suppression targets with the overall rating for the region currently at 90-82-76.

She described the theme as a timely reminder of individual’s  responsibility to safeguard human rights as they pursue the goal of HIV elimination by 2030.

“HIV is a complex health challenge, inseparable from social determinants such as poverty, gender inequality and violence, and complicated by stigma and discrimination, especially amongst marginalized populations. Protecting human rights is a key component of achieving universal HIV care, and breaking down these life-threatening barriers to access.

“World AIDS Day also provides an opportunity for reflection on the achievements. African countries have made significant progress, with the change in the trajectory of the epidemic over the past decade evidence of the notable successes in HIV control and response. This is despite having the highest HIV burden globally, and comparatively fewer resources to fight the epidemic.

Moeti said both Botswana (silver tier status) and Namibia (bronze tier status), have been recognised for notably curbing mother-to-child HIV transmission rates, achieving the required indicators for the “Path to elimination of HIV” criteria introduced in 2017.

She further noted that the African Region is also implementing effective biomedical HIV prevention methods, with countries quickly adopting and implementing pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) recommendations, and ensuring increased access to options such as oral and long-acting injectable PrEP, and the dipivefrine vaginal ring.

She lamented that despite the increased availability of scientific knowledge and tools for preventing new HIV infections, and effectively treating people living with HIV, the value of the innovations depends on their universal accessibility.

“This is an issue that requires further investments and policy reforms going forward.

“We have a collective obligation to protect human rights, specifically ensuring that health care is available to everyone, without any discrimination, regardless of their HIV status, background, gender or where they live. Stigma and discrimination cannot be allowed to undermine the gains and impede our progress.”

She pointed out that given the achievements, it was possible to eliminate HIV with the combined efforts of governments, partners, health care providers, civil society and, crucially, communities. She said communities are key partners in co-creating strategies and jointly implementing interventions to address human rights-related barriers to care, and we must ensure their voices are heard.

“The HIV response is complicated by increasing incidence of disease outbreaks in the African region, which negatively impact our already struggling health systems. As we accelerate our response to the epidemic, it is important that we remain mindful that strong health systems and integrated, person-centred approaches to health care are essential to optimally meet the multiple needs of our vulnerable populations.

“Let’s take this opportunity today to acknowledge the progress, but to also renew our joint commitment to eliminating HIV. By protecting everyone’s right to health, and reducing new HIV infections, we can achieve an AIDS-free generation and ensure the sustainability of the HIV response,” Moeti stated.