As the battle against HIV/AIDS continues, world leaders are ramping up their endeavors to eradicate the epidemic by 2030. Despite significant strides in reducing new infections and improving access to treatment, persistent challenges necessitate a renewed commitment to achieve ambitious global targets.
Over the past decade, substantial progress has been made in the fight against HIV/AIDS. A notable milestone was reached when 15 million people living with HIV were provided with antiretroviral therapy, surpassing the December 2015 deadline. This accomplishment marked a significant global triumph.
The swift expansion of life-saving treatments has contributed to a 42% decline in AIDS-related deaths since 2004, substantially elevating life expectancy in countries heavily burdened by the virus.However, progress in curtailing new HIV infections has been insufficient and is decelerating in numerous regions.
Between 2010 and 2014, the annual number of new infections among young people and adults dropped by a mere 8%. Global statistics indicate that the proportion of young people possessing accurate and comprehensive knowledge about HIV transmission has stagnated over the past 15 years. Additionally, condom promotion and distribution remain inadequate in meeting the needs of young individuals, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
Despite the emergence of new prevention tools and approaches, recent years have witnessed a weakening of prevention programs due to factors such as inadequate leadership, weak accountability, and diminishing funding.While 90% of new HIV infections occur in just 35 countries, it is vital to recognize that the HIV epidemic is a global concern affecting every corner of the world and exacerbating health burdens in numerous regions. Nonetheless, the patterns, progress, and challenges pertaining to the epidemic vary significantly across different areas.
To effectively combat HIV/AIDS over the next 15 years, a set of key targets has been outlined. These include a 30% reduction in new cases of chronic viral hepatitis B and C infections by 2020, with the aim of reaching 3 million people with hepatitis C virus treatment. By 2020, it is envisioned that 70% of countries will have at least 95% of pregnant women screened for syphilis, 95% of pregnant women screened for HIV, and 90% of pregnant women living with HIV receiving effective treatment.
Furthermore, it is imperative to screen every woman living with HIV for cervical cancer by 2020. Other crucial objectives encompass expanding access to family planning information, services, and supplies to an additional 120 million women and girls in 69 priority countries by 2020, reducing tuberculosis deaths among people living with HIV by 75% by 2020, achieving a 25% relative reduction in overall mortality from cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, or chronic respiratory diseases by 2025, and ensuring that affordable basic technologies and essential medicines, including generic medications, required to treat major non-communicable diseases are 80% available in both public and private facilities by 2025.
Embracing the mantra of “Let’s leave no one behind,” the Fast-Track initiative was launched on November 18, 2014, with the aim of ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030. The strategy calls for the utilization of powerful tools, accountability among nations for achieving results, and a steadfast commitment to inclusivity.
In the United States, the Federal Response Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative, unveiled in 2019, seeks to put an end to the HIV epidemic in the country by 2030. Multiple agencies within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have collaborated to develop an operational plan accompanied by a request for additional annual funding.
By leveraging critical scientific advancements in HIV prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and outbreak response, the initiative aims to reduce new HIV infections by 75% by 2025 and achieve at least a 90% reduction by 2030, thereby averting an estimated 250,000 total HIV infections.A significant aspect of the initiative involves focusing on geographic hotspots where HIV transmission occurs most frequently.
Fifty-seven priority jurisdictions, including 48 counties, Washington, DC, and San Juan, Puerto Rico, have been allocated additional resources, expertise, and technology to develop and implement tailored plans to combat the epidemic.Sustained funding plays an indispensable role in achieving these ambitious targets.
At the end of 2022, approximately $20.8 billion (in constant 2019 United States dollars) was available for the AIDS response in low- and middle-income countries, with around 60% originating from domestic sources. However, UNAIDS estimates that $29 billion (in constant 2019 United States dollars) will be required in 2025 to adequately address the AIDS response in low- and middle-income countries, including those previously categorized as upper-income countries.
Despite the advancements made, challenges persist. HIV infections remain concentrated among specific populations and geographical regions, particularly men who have sex with men, racial and ethnic minorities, and the southern United States. Undiagnosed and untreated HIV cases continue to contribute to new infections, underscoring the need for expanded testing and treatment services.
The persistence of HIV-related stigma also poses a significant barrier, preventing individuals at risk or living with HIV from seeking essential healthcare, services, and support.The United Nations emphasizes that ending the AIDS pandemic by 2030 is feasible. However, achieving this goal necessitates robust political will, increased investments in prevention efforts, and the implementation of non-discriminatory laws.
“We have a solution if we follow the leadership of countries that have forged strong political commitments to put people first and invest in evidence-based HIV prevention and treatment programs,” read a part of a recent UNAIDS agency report.
Successful interventions have already resulted in a notable reduction in new HIV infections, but reaching marginalized communities and expanding testing and prevention services are paramount.
Facts and figures indicate that opportunity to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic is within reach. By leveraging accurate data, capitalizing on scientific advancements, and implementing targeted strategies, governments, healthcare providers, community organizations, and civil society can join forces to achieve global targets, leaving no one behind.
“Success is possible in this decade…the end of AIDS is an opportunity for today’s leaders to be remembered as those who put a stop to the world’s deadliest pandemic,” said UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima.
The UN emphasised that unified and determined global response is crucial to being remembered as the generation that halted one of the most devastating pandemics in history. The time to act is now, and together we can make the end of AIDS a reality.