This year’s World AIDS Day theme, “Take the rights path: My health, my right”, highlights the importance of protecting human rights in the pursuit of HIV elimination by 2030.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 21.3 million people in sub-Saharan Africa are now on antiretroviral treatment, which has significantly raised their life expectancy.
The WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, noted that there have been remarkable reductions in new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths. Seven countries have achieved the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, which focus on HIV testing, treatment, and viral suppression.
While progress has been made, Moeti emphasized that protecting human rights is crucial in achieving universal HIV care. This includes ensuring access to healthcare without discrimination, regardless of HIV status, background, gender, or location.
In addition, the African Region is implementing effective biomedical HIV prevention methods, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and the dipivefrine vaginal ring.
Source: Vanguard
