HIV/AIDS continues to be one of the most significant health challenges worldwide, affecting millions of people every year. In 2023, according to World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 39.9 million people were living with HIV globally, approximately 630.000 people died from HIV-related causes and an estimated 1.3 million people acquired HIV last year. On 1 December, under the theme “Take the rights path: My health, my right!”, WHO is calling on global leaders and citizens to champion the right to health by addressing the inequalities that hinder progress in ending AIDS.
Health is a human right, and everyone, regardless of their background, should have access to the tools needed to prevent and treat HIV. With proper education on safe practices, such as condom use, regular testing, and the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), the transmission of the virus can be significantly reduced. The results of a systematic review on the effectiveness of PrEP in preventing HIV indicate that it is safe and effective for men who have sex with men, serodiscordant couples, and people who inject drugs. Prevention is essential not only for reducing the number of new infections but also for empowering individuals to take control of their health and protect themselves from the virus.
In addition to prevention, it’s important to ensure access to life-saving treatments to achieve HIV viral suppression. In fact, according to a study on the quality of life of people with HIV in the United States, optimal adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is not only necessary and very important for maintaining viral suppression, but also for achieving good clinical outcomes and improving the quality of life in people with HIV. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has revolutionized the treatment of HIV, allowing people living with the virus to live long, healthy lives. Achieving HIV viral suppression not only improves the health of individuals but also reduces the likelihood of transmitting the virus to others. Expanding access to ART, particularly in low-resource settings, is key to controlling the epidemic and ultimately eliminating HIV transmission.
Furthermore, addressing stigma and discrimination is crucial in the fight against HIV/AIDS. For years, people with HIV have faced unfair treatment, preventing them from seeking care or disclosing their status. This stigma drives the virus underground, making it harder for public health programs to reach those in need. Tackling stigma breaks down barriers to treatment and ensures access to necessary care
In conclusion, the path to an AIDS-free future is clear, but the effort must be collective. By investing in prevention, expanding access to treatment, overcoming of stigma and advancing research, the global community can achieve the goal of ending AIDS. By 2030, one of the targets of Sustainable Development Goal 3, “Good Health and Well-being,” specifically target 3.3, is to end several diseases, including the AIDS epidemic. Through these combined efforts, the dream of a world free from AIDS is not only possible but within reach.
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Editor of Daily 27.
Predoctoral researcher at the Department of Sociology in University of Barcelona.