AIDS can be ended by 2030 - New UN report.

A new report released today, 13 July, by UNAIDS shows that there is a clear path that ends AIDS. This path will also help prepare for and tackle future pandemics and advance progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

The facts and figures shared in this report do not show that as a world we are already on the path, they show that we can be. The way is clear

The report, 'The Path that Ends AIDS', contains data and case studies which highlight that ending AIDS is a political and financial choice, and that the countries and leaders who are already following the path are achieving extraordinary results.

Botswana, Eswatini, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe have already achieved the '95-95-95' targets. That means 95% of the people who are living with HIV knowing their HIV status, 95% of the people who know that they are living with HIV being on lifesaving anti-retroviral treatment, and 95% of people who are on treatment being virally suppressed.

A further 16 other countries, eight of them in sub-Saharan Africa, the region which accounts for 65% of all people living with HIV, are also close to doing so.

'The end of AIDS is an opportunity for a uniquely powerful legacy for today's leaders,' said Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS. 'They could be remembered by future generations as those who put a stop to the world's deadliest pandemic. They could save millions of lives and protect the health of everyone. They could show what leadership can do.'

The report highlights that HIV responses succeed when they are anchored in strong political leadership.

In 2022, an estimated:

39.0 million people globally were living with HIV

29.8 million people were accessing antiretroviral therapy

1.3 million people became newly infected with HIV

630 000 people died from AIDS-related illnesses

This means following the data, science, and evidence; tackling the inequalities holding back progress; enabling communities and civil society organizations in their vital role in the response; and ensuring sufficient and sustainable funding.

Progress has been strongest in the countries and regions that have the most financial investments, such as in eastern and southern Africa where new HIV infections have been reduced by 57% since 2010.

Thanks to support for and investment in ending AIDS among children, 82% of pregnant and breastfeeding women living with HIV globally were accessing anti-retroviral treatment in 2022, up from 46% in 2010. This has led to...