2023-11-28 15:03:24
The UN estimates that it is still possible to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030, but only if we give the means and recognition to those on the front lines.
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The initiatives carried out by different communities closest to the fight are often not recognized, lack resources and are sometimes even attacked, deplored UNAIDS in its annual report published Tuesday on the occasion of World AIDS Day, commemorated December 1st.
“Communities around the world have shown they are ready, willing and able to lead the way. However, they need to see the obstacles that hinder their work disappear and to have adequate resources,” said UNAIDS Director Winnie Byanyima.
“Too often, communities are treated by decision-makers as problems to be managed, instead of being recognized as leaders and receiving support in this capacity,” insisted Ms. Byanyima, emphasizing that “communities do not are not an obstacle, they open the path to ending AIDS.”
It was in 2015 that the UN first set the goal of ending the public health threat posed by AIDS by 2030.
There are 39 million people worldwide living with HIV – the virus that causes AIDS.
Of these, 20.8 million are in Eastern and Southern Africa and 6.5 million in Asia and the Pacific.
But of these 39 million, 9.2 million do not have access to life-saving treatments, which have nevertheless proven to be effective.
Lack of support
“Harmful laws and policies affecting people at risk of HIV – including sex workers, men who have sex with men, transgender people and people who use drugs – put endangering communities” who want to help the sick or prevent infection, underlines the document.
According to the UN agency, however, it is only by supporting these communities who are on the front line that we can win the fight against the pandemic.
Some $20.8 billion was available for HIV programs in low- and middle-income countries in 2022, well short of the $29.3 billion needed by 2025.
The annual cost of treatment has fallen from $25,000 per person in 1995 to less than $70 in many of the countries now most affected by HIV.
The report shows that funds channeled through these communities fell from 31% in 2012 to 20% in 2021.
Repression against marginalized groups prevents the provision of HIV prevention and treatment services, while the underfunding suffered by these communities makes their functioning more uncertain and slows their expansion.
New infections
There were 1.3 million new HIV infections worldwide last year, down from a peak of 3.2 million in 1995.
In 2022, 86% of people living with HIV were informed of their HIV status, which is crucial to help stop transmission, 76% accessed treatment and 71% had a viral load low enough to meet the definition of HIV. viral suppression.
According to UNAIDS, 53% of all HIV-positive people were women and girls.
Even if the disease is less devastating today, 630,000 people will still die from AIDS-related illnesses in 2022.
Since the pandemic began in the late 1970s, 85.6 million people have been infected with HIV and 40.4 million have died.
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