31 May 2024 (Geneva, Switzerland) – IAS – the International AIDS Society – called on United Nations Member States to put people first at the Seventy-seventh World Health Assembly (WHA77) today. That includes prioritizing an integrated, person-centred approach for the prevention and treatment of HIV, co-infections and co-morbidities.
In a statement, the IAS said it was concerned about the rise of sexually transmitted infection rates in many regions, as the new WHO report, “Implementing the global health sector strategies on HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections, 2022–2030: report on progress and gaps 2024”, highlighted.
HIV and viral hepatitis acquisition rates are also not declining as fast as they should to meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The WHO report shows that gains have been made in expanding access to HIV and hepatitis C treatment and in eliminating vertical transmission of HIV and/or syphilis in 19 countries, but many indicators needed to achieve the global targets are off track.
“We also urge funders and other key actors to continue investing in and prioritizing the health of people most affected by HIV, STIs and viral hepatitis,” the IAS statement said. “We have seen a slowing in funding that puts meeting the public health and HIV-related SDGs in peril. We cannot afford to slow down.”