Global AIDS Crisis: Progress Stalls Amid Rising Infections

The UN's latest report reveals that despite a decline in AIDS-related deaths, progress in combating the AIDS pandemic has slowed. New infections are rising in certain regions, and gender inequality is exacerbating risks for women. Efficient funding and human rights protection are essential for achieving the 2030 goal.

Nearly 40 million people were living with the HIV virus that causes AIDS last year, over 9 million weren't receiving any treatment, resulting in one death due to AIDS-related causes every minute, according to a UN report launched Monday.

While progress is being made to end the global AIDS pandemic, the report indicates that advancements have slowed, funding is dwindling, and new infections are increasing in three regions: the Middle East and North Africa, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and Latin America.

In 2023, approximately 630,000 people died from AIDS-related illnesses, a sharp decline from the 2.1 million deaths in 2004. However, this figure is still more than double the target for 2025, which is fewer than 250,000 deaths, according to the UNAIDS report leading the global effort to end the pandemic.

Gender inequality is worsening the risks for girls and women, particularly in parts of Africa, where there is a high incidence of HIV among adolescents and young women, the report states.

The proportion of new infections globally among marginalized communities facing stigma and discrimination—such as sex workers, men who have sex with men, and people who inject drugs—rose to 55 per cent in 2023 from 45 per cent in 2010, the report adds.

UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima emphasized, “World leaders pledged to end the AIDS pandemic as a public health threat by 2030, but fulfilling this promise requires adequate resources and protection of human rights.” Leaders committed to reducing annual new HIV infections to below 370,000 by 2025, but the report noted that new infections in 2023 were over three times higher at 1.3 million.

Among the 39.9 million people globally living with HIV last year, 86 per cent were aware of their infection, 77 per cent had access to treatment, and 72 per cent had their virus suppressed, the report found. César Núñez, director of the UNAIDS New York office, noted progress in treatments, including semi-annual injections costing USD 40,000 yearly, unaffordable for many.

UNAIDS is pushing for cheaper access to these treatments for low and middle-income countries. There have been seven cases wherein individuals treated for leukemia showed no signs of HIV post-treatment. These cases will be discussed at the 25th International AIDS Conference in Munich.

Currently, daily pill-based treatment costs around USD 75 per person yearly, enabling many countries to treat more people with HIV. UNAIDS continues to advocate for a preventive vaccine.