The fight against AIDS has been ongoing for decades, with millions of people living with HIV worldwide. Despite progress in antiretroviral therapy, new infection rates are rising in some regions, and marginalized groups continue to bear the brunt. However, a new era of prevention is emerging, with highly effective treatments like lenacapavir showing promise.
The 1996 moment has arrived, and it’s time for a push on HIV prevention. But as we face a backlash on human rights and gender equality, shrinking civic space, we must seize this opportunity. Countering the backlash starts with scaling what works: removing barriers that prevent access to care, particularly for those left furthest behind.
Countries can strengthen legal protections, sustain funding, and center community leadership. The Triple 10s targets adopted in 2021 provide a roadmap for dismantling barriers to care. By 2025, less than 10% of countries should have punitive laws that deny access to services, and people living with HIV and key populations should experience stigma and discrimination.
However, most countries are off-track. Only three countries do not have laws criminalizing HIV or key population groups. The funding shortfall is most acute for prevention services targeting key populations, receiving only 20% of the funds needed. Governments and donors must increase sustainable investments in HIV services and policies to support these services.
Civil society plays a crucial role in driving progress by challenging stigma, demanding policy reforms, and providing care. Community advocates have always been at the forefront of the HIV response, but funding for community-driven efforts is more critical than ever due to shrinking civic spaces.
We are at an inflection point. We can achieve the Triple 10s with rights, not barriers, and realize the full potential of modern medical science. Or we follow a darker path where inaction leads to a resurgence of AIDS and emboldens a global backlash that leaves even more people further behind. The choice is clear: stop at nothing to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
Source: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/science-and-disease/we-can-end-aids-but-will-we-seize-the-opportunity