AIDS can be ended by 2030 with investments in prevention and treatment, UN says
AIDS can be ended by 2030 with investments in prevention and treatment, UN says ReutersNew report from UNAIDS shows that AIDS can be ended by 2030 and outlines the path to get there UNAIDSEnding AIDS by 2030 a 'political and financial choice' UN News
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It is possible to end AIDS by 2030, says the United Nations
GENEVA, July 13 (Reuters) – The United Nations stated on Thursday that it is possible to end AIDS by 2030 if countries demonstrate the political will to invest in prevention and treatment and adopt non-discriminatory laws.
The current situation
According to UNAIDS, the United Nations AIDS program, an estimated 39 million people around the world were living with HIV in 2022. If left untreated, HIV can progress to AIDS.
The importance of political commitment and evidence-based programs
In a report published on Thursday, UNAIDS stated, “We have a solution if we follow the leadership of countries that have forged strong political commitment to put people first and invest in evidence-based HIV prevention and treatment programs.”
The need for non-discriminatory laws and community empowerment
UNAIDS emphasized that an effective response to HIV also requires the adoption of non-discriminatory laws and the empowerment of community networks. Many people living with HIV or AIDS face stigma, discrimination, and violence in various countries.
Progress and challenges
The report highlighted that progress has been made in countries and regions with significant financial investments, such as eastern and southern Africa, where new HIV infections have decreased by 57% since 2010. However, there has been a steep increase in new infections in eastern Europe and central Asia, as well as in the Middle East and North Africa. These trends are primarily attributed to a lack of HIV prevention services for marginalized and key populations, as well as the barriers posed by punitive laws and social discrimination.
The current impact of AIDS
According to UNAIDS, 1.3 million people became newly infected with HIV last year, and 630,000 died from AIDS-related illnesses.
Reporting by Gabrielle Tétrault-Farber; Editing by Bill Berkrot
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