UNAIDS Report: Paving the Path to End AIDS by 2030

On July 13, 2023, UNAIDS released a groundbreaking report titled “The Path that Ends AIDS,” outlining a definitive strategy to eradicate AIDS by 2030. This ambitious path not only aims to end AIDS but also prepares for future pandemics and aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals. The report emphasizes that ending AIDS is both a political and financial choice, with extraordinary results already seen in countries that have taken decisive actions.

Remarkable Achievements

Countries like Botswana, Eswatini, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe have achieved the “95-95-95” targets: 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed are on antiretroviral treatment, and 95% of those treated are virally suppressed. Additionally, 16 other countries are close to achieving these targets, demonstrating significant progress, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where 65% of people living with HIV reside.

Political Leadership and Community Involvement

“The end of AIDS is an opportunity for a uniquely powerful legacy for today’s leaders,” said Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS. She highlighted that achieving this goal requires robust political leadership, evidence-based decision-making, tackling inequalities, empowering communities, and ensuring sustainable funding.

Key Success Factors

Strongest progress has been noted in regions with substantial financial investments, such as eastern and southern Africa, where new HIV infections have decreased by 57% since 2010. Support for ending AIDS among children has also grown, with 82% of pregnant and breastfeeding women living with HIV accessing antiretroviral treatment in 2022, up from 46% in 2010. This has resulted in a 58% reduction in new HIV infections among children.

Legal and Policy Reforms

Several countries have made significant strides in improving legal and policy frameworks to support human rights. In 2022 and 2023, Antigua and Barbuda, the Cook Islands, Barbados, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Singapore decriminalized same-sex sexual relations. These reforms are crucial in creating an environment where HIV responses can thrive.

Ongoing Challenges

Despite these achievements, challenges remain. AIDS still claimed a life every minute in 2022, with around 9.2 million people missing out on treatment, including 660,000 children. Women and girls, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, remain disproportionately affected, with 4,000 young women and girls becoming infected with HIV every week in 2022.

Regional Disparities

Asia and the Pacific saw 23% of new HIV infections in 2022, with increasing rates in some countries. Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and the Middle East and North Africa, have also seen steep rises in new infections due to inadequate HIV prevention services and punitive laws.

Funding Shortfalls

Funding for HIV fell to US$20.8 billion in 2022, far below the US$29.3 billion needed by 2025. This decline jeopardizes the progress made and highlights the urgent need for increased investment.

A Call to Action

“We are hopeful, but it is not the relaxed optimism that might come if all was heading as it should be. It is, instead, a hope rooted in seeing the opportunity for success, an opportunity that is dependent on action,” said Ms. Byanyima. The report underscores the need for continued political will, evidence-based prevention and treatment, health system integration, non-discriminatory laws, gender equality, and empowered community networks.

Global HIV Statistics (2022)

• 39.0 million people living with HIV
• 29.8 million people accessing antiretroviral therapy
• 1.3 million new HIV infections
• 630,000 AIDS-related deaths

About UNAIDS

UNAIDS leads global efforts to achieve zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination, and zero AIDS-related deaths. It unites 11 UN organizations and works with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals.