Report By: Bunmi Yekini
A new report from UNAIDS, “The Urgency of Now: AIDS at a Crossroads”, revealed that global leaders’ decisions this year will determine if AIDS can be ended as a public health threat by 2030.
The report highlighted that while the end of AIDS is within reach, the world is currently off track. Of the 39.9 million people living with HIV, 9.3 million are not receiving life-saving treatment, and a person dies from AIDS-related causes every minute.
“World leaders pledged to end the AIDS pandemic as a public health threat by 2030, and they can uphold their promise, but only if they ensure that the HIV response has the resources it needs and that the human rights of everyone are protected,” said UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima. “Leaders can save millions of lives, prevent millions of new HIV infections, and ensure that everyone living with HIV can live healthy, full lives.”
The report showed that if leaders take bold actions now, the number of people living with HIV will settle at around 29 million by 2050. Otherwise, this number could rise to 46 million. Despite progress in treatment, with 30.7 million people now on medication, the world is not on track to meet the 2025 target of reducing AIDS-related deaths to below 250,000.
“Countries are making enormous progress to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030; however, there have been many challenges that could slow our efforts,” said Dr. Anthony Fauci, former Scientific Advisor to the US President. “We must do everything we can to be continually vocal and proactive. Failure is not an option here. In fact, it is unthinkable. If we all work together, we shall meet our common goal. I, for one, will continue to work with all of my strength to make sure that we do indeed end the AIDS epidemic, and I implore all of you to commit to the same.”
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The report emphasized that gender inequality, stigma, and discrimination are driving the pandemic, with key populations like sex workers, men who have sex with men, and people who inject drugs facing significant barriers. UNAIDS data shows that only 2.6% of HIV spending went towards key populations in 2023, far short of the needed 20%.
Funding for HIV has declined, with a 5% drop from 2022 to 2023, leaving a $9.5 billion gap. Increased funding is especially critical in regions like Asia and the Pacific, where HIV numbers are projected to nearly double by 2050.
“The fraying of solidarity between and within countries is putting progress in danger, but the path that ends AIDS is a path that has been proven, and is a path that leaders have promised to take. Whether leaders fulfill their pledge to end AIDS is a political and financial choice. The time to choose the right path is now,” said Ms. Byanyima.