New Report Shows Path to End AIDS by 2030 in Asia and the Pacific
A recently released report by UNAIDS reveals that there is a clear path to ending AIDS by 2030. The report, titled ‘The Path that Ends AIDS,’ highlights the progress made by countries that have already achieved the 95-95-95 targets. These targets involve ensuring that 95% of people living with HIV are aware of their status, 95% of those aware are on antiretroviral treatment, and 95% of those on treatment have a suppressed viral load.
Countries such as Botswana, Eswatini, Rwanda, the United Republic of Tanzania, and Zimbabwe have successfully reached these targets. Additionally, 16 other countries, including Cambodia and Thailand in the Asia and Pacific region, are close to achieving them. Cambodia has achieved an 86% awareness rate, with 98% of those aware on treatment and 98% of them having a suppressed viral load. Thailand has accomplished a 90-90-97 status.
The report emphasizes that ending AIDS requires strong political leadership, data-driven approaches, addressing inequalities, involving community and civil society organizations, and ensuring sustainable funding. By following these guidelines, HIV responses have seen significant success worldwide. The number of people on antiretroviral treatment has increased from 7.7 million in 2010 to 29.8 million in 2022.
However, it is essential to acknowledge that AIDS claimed a life every minute in 2022, and approximately 9.2 million people worldwide still lack access to treatment. In the Asia and Pacific region alone, an estimated 6.5 million people were living with HIV in 2022. This region accounted for almost one-quarter of new HIV infections globally, with 300,000 new infections and 150,000 AIDS-related deaths reported.
The HIV epidemic in Asia and the Pacific primarily affects key populations, including men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, transgender individuals, people in prisons, and sex workers. The prevalence of HIV among these populations is significantly higher compared to the general population. The report also highlights challenges such as punitive laws, stigma, and discrimination that hinder full-scale HIV prevention measures.
To end the AIDS epidemic, the report emphasizes the need to modernize and scale up prevention, testing, treatment, and care services. Innovative solutions like pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and virtual interventions should be leveraged. Barriers to access must be removed, and key populations should be prioritized. Moreover, equitable and sustainable financing, legal and policy reforms to reduce stigma and discrimination, and community leadership should be prioritized.
While progress has been made in reducing new HIV infections in several Asia Pacific nations, there have been rebounds in countries like Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines. Additionally, 26% of new infections occur among young key populations between the ages of 15 and 24.
The report highlights the urgency of taking decisive action to prevent a reversal of past prevention gains. By continuing to prioritize community leadership and translating promises into action, governments can make significant strides in ending the AIDS epidemic.
The findings from this UNAIDS report provide a roadmap for countries in the Asia and Pacific region to prioritize HIV prevention for key populations and work towards achieving the 95-95-95 targets. By following this path, countries can not only end AIDS but also prepare for future pandemics and advance progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. With strong political leadership, evidence-based strategies, and sufficient resources, the end of AIDS by 2030 is a feasible goal.
