Most New HIV Infections Occurred Outside sub-Saharan Africa

For the first time in history, the majority of new HIV infections have occurred outside sub-Saharan Africa, reflecting both significant progress in the region and emerging challenges elsewhere, according to a new report from UNAids. This shift underscores the achievements in sub-Saharan Africa, where new infections have decreased by 56% since 2010, compared to a global reduction of 39%.

The report highlights the rise of new HIV cases in regions such as eastern Europe, central Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and North Africa. UNAids Executive Director Winnie Byanyima emphasised that global efforts are at a critical juncture, with this year being pivotal for future success.

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Byanyima pointed out that the backlash against human rights in various countries is impeding access to care for marginalised groups. Additionally, funding shortfalls and the debt burden on low-income countries are straining health services. There is also concern that innovative new treatments and preventive measures, which need only be taken every few months, may remain inaccessible to poorer nations.

Despite these challenges, there has been notable progress in sub-Saharan Africa. Dr. Sharon Lewin, President of the International Aids Society, noted that countries committed to managing their HIV epidemics have successfully reduced infection rates, demonstrating that effective strategies can yield positive results even in resource-limited settings.

Winifred Byanyima, is a Ugandan aeronautical engineer, politician, human rights activist, feminist and diplomat. She is the executive director of UNAIDS, effective November 2019. From May 2013 until November 2019, she served as the executive director of Oxfam International. Wikipedia

The report, launched at the 25th International Aids Conference in Munich, Germany, reveals that 39.9 million people globally were living with HIV in 2023, with 1.3 million new infections and 630,000 AIDS-related deaths. Notably, 84% of people living with HIV in eastern and southern Africa have access to treatment, with 94% of those achieving virus suppression.

However, challenges remain, particularly for children. Anne Githuku-Shongwe, UNAids Regional Director for eastern and southern Africa, highlighted the ongoing issue of pediatric HIV, with an estimated 120,000 children contracting the virus in 2023. Efforts to address HIV in children are often hampered by inadequate attention and support.

The UNAids report also noted the impact of external funding on HIV programs, with significant contributions from initiatives such as PEPFAR and the Global Fund. However, funding is dwindling, with nearly $19.8 billion available in 2023 for HIV programs in low- and middle-income countries, still $9.5 billion short of the required amount by 2025.

Catherine Connor, Vice President of Public Policy and Advocacy at the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, described the data on pediatric HIV as troubling. She stressed the need for concerted efforts to identify and treat children living with HIV, who often rely on caregivers for access to healthcare.

Connor warned of the potential resurgence of the HIV/AIDS pandemic if preventive measures are not sustained, likening it to a dam that could break if not properly maintained. She called for increased global attention and action to prevent and treat HIV, stressing that failure to act could result in severe consequences.

The report underscores the necessity of protecting human rights, particularly in the context of rising anti-LGBTQ legislation in some countries, which hampers efforts to combat HIV.

As the world gathers to review and strategize on the global fight against HIV, the successes in sub-Saharan Africa serve as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that with commitment and proper resource allocation, significant strides can be made. However, the global community must remain vigilant and proactive in addressing emerging challenges to achieve the goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.