UNAIDS Report: Global Fund Applauds Progress, Stresses Need for Continued Vigilance

(MENAFN- The Global Fund) 22 July 2024

GENEVA - The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (the Global Fund) applauds the significant progress highlighted in the new UNAIDS report, particularly the increased number of people currently on treatment for HIV. In 2023, 77% of all people living with HIV were accessing treatment. This achievement is a testament to the unwavering commitment of health workers, communities and partners around the world.

For the first time, the largest number of new HIV infections was not in sub-Saharan Africa, which clearly demonstrates that two decades of work by the Global Fund partnership is paying off.

Despite these efforts, there were 1.3 million new HIV infections and 630,000 AIDS-related deaths in 2023. A staggering 42.3 million people have died since the start of the epidemic.
The global fight against HIV has achieved significant milestones, yet we face persistent challenges that demand our unwavering attention and action. Despite the progress in increasing access to treatment, the rate of new infections remains alarmingly high and too many lives are still lost to AIDS-related causes each year.

Marginalized and vulnerable populations continue to bear the brunt of this epidemic, highlighting the need for inclusive, rights-based approaches in our response. It is critical that we innovate, scale up prevention efforts, and secure the necessary funding to sustain our gains and close the gaps.

HIV prevention needs to be accelerated

The latest report underscores the urgent need to accelerate progress in HIV prevention, an area where substantial challenges remain. Prevention must be at the forefront of our efforts.

To effectively combat the HIV epidemic, we must break down barriers that hinder access to prevention services, especially for marginalized populations. Key populations – including men who have sex with men, trans and gender-diverse people, sex workers, and people who inject drugs – represent 55% of new HIV infections. The Global Fund is actively working to address these issues through initiatives like the Breaking Down Barriers program, which aims to eliminate stigma, discrimination and other obstacles that prevent people from seeking care.

One promising example of innovation in prevention is the introduction and distribution of dapivirine pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) vaginal rings. These vaginal rings, which release antiretroviral medication, offer women a discreet and effective method of HIV prevention.
The Global Fund is committed to accelerating the distribution of PrEP rings to ensure that women, particularly in high-risk regions, have access to this life-saving innovation.
We are convinced that this new PrEP ring can have a revolutionary impact. Girls and women have spoken up that they want the ring, there is a lot of excitement and work to do to make sure that we shorten introduction timelines and support equitable access to these products to achieve 2030 targets.

Women and girls disproportionally affected

The widening access to HIV treatment in sub-Saharan Africa is paying off. Fewer people are getting infected with HIV, and fewer people are dying from AIDS. But tragically, adolescent girls and young women in parts of this region are not benefiting from this progress. In sub-Saharan Africa, women and girls account for 62% of all new HIV infections.

In at least 22 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, the rate of new HIV infections among adolescent girls and young women is more than three times that among adolescent boys and young men.

This needs to change. We must prioritize protecting girls and young women if we want to prioritize the future of these countries. We must also accelerate investments in programs that support comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights, particularly for adolescent girls and young women. We must give them the tools they need to protect themselves.

Reaching those most at risk

Alarmingly, infection rates have increased in three regions: Latin America, Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA), and the Middle East. Additionally, key populations represent an increasingly significant portion of new infections. This trend highlights the urgent need to tailor our prevention strategies to reach those most at risk.

Every minute, one person dies from AIDS-related causes. This stark reality is an urgent call to action. Among children, only 48% have the virus suppressed to a level that is undetectable. A significant share of all new HIV infections – about one in ten – occurs when a woman passes the virus to her baby during childbirth.

In the fight against HIV, we must do a much better job for children. In support of national programs, we have been procuring the latest dolutegravir-based pediatric treatment regimens at negotiated prices. Our investments in laboratory systems are helping ensure exposed infants are rapidly tested, and those that test positive are quickly initiated on age-appropriate antiretroviral treatment. Differentiated testing and treatment approaches are helping close the diagnostic gap and ensuring more child-centered service delivery.

Less HIV funding than ever

The financial landscape for HIV funding is also deeply concerning. Funding for HIV is at the lowest level ever and domestic resources have declined for the fourth consecutive year. To turn the tide, we must mobilize increased resources and ensure that investments are strategically directed towards high-impact interventions.

At the core of the Global Fund’s mission is a commitment to human rights. Ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances, have access to the care and services they need is paramount. We must work collectively to create environments where human rights are upheld, and everyone can live free from the threat of HIV.

The Global Fund remains resolute in our dedication to ending the AIDS epidemic. We call on all partners, governments and stakeholders to join us in redoubling our efforts, innovating, and investing in solutions that save lives. Together, we can overcome the challenges outlined in the UNAIDS report and move closer to a world free from HIV and AIDS.

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