In a statement released recently the Global Fund Executive Director Peter Sands, applauded the significant progress highlighted in the new UNAIDS report, particularly the increased number of people currently on treatment for HIV. According to the report, in 2023, 77% of all people living with HIV were accessing treatment, which according to Mr Sands points to the unwavering commitment of health workers, communities and partners around the world.

On a rather progressive note for the HIV fight in Sub-Saharan Africa, for the first time, the largest number of new HIV infections was not in the region (sub-Saharan Africa), which, according to the statement demonstrates that two decades of work by the Global Fund partnership is paying off

Women and girls disproportionally affected

However, much as the widening access to HIV treatment in sub-Saharan Africa is paying off. Fewer people are getting infected with HIV, and fewer people are dying from AIDS. But tragically, adolescent girls and young women in parts of this region are not benefiting from this progress. In sub-Saharan Africa, women and girls account for 62% of all new HIV infections. 

In at least 22 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, the rate of new HIV infections among adolescent girls and young women is more than three times that among adolescent boys and young men.

“This needs to change. We must prioritize protecting girls and young women if we want to prioritize the future of these countries. We must also accelerate investments in programs that support comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights, particularly for adolescent girls and young women. We must give them the tools they need to protect themselves,” said Mr Sands on behalf of the Global Fund.

HIV prevention needs to be accelerated

The latest AIDS report also underscores the urgent need to accelerate progress in HIV prevention, an area where substantial challenges remain.

According to the statement, to effectively combat the HIV epidemic, prevention must be at the forefront of our efforts.  “We must break down barriers that hinder access to prevention services, especially for marginalized populations. The Global Fund is actively working to address these issues through initiatives like the Breaking Down Barriers program, which aims to eliminate stigma, discrimination and other obstacles that prevent people from seeking care.”

One promising example of innovation in prevention is the introduction and distribution (PrEP) vaginal rings. These vaginal rings, which release antiretroviral medication, offer women a discreet and effective method of HIV prevention.

As one of the innovations, the Global Fund is committed to accelerating the distribution of dapivirine pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) rings to ensure that women, particularly in high-risk regions, have access to this life-saving innovation.

Less HIV funding than ever

Still, according to the Global Fund, a deeply concerning trend is the financial landscape for HIV funding. Funding for HIV is at the lowest level ever and domestic resources have declined for the fourth consecutive year. To turn the tide, Mr Sands said we must mobilize increased resources and ensure that investments are strategically directed towards high-impact interventions.

He added that at the core of the Global Fund’s mission is a commitment to human rights. “Ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances, have access to the care and services they need is paramount. We must work collectively to create environments where human rights are upheld, and everyone can live free from the threat of HIV,” he said. Mr Sands concluded the statement by reiterating The Global Fund’s resolute stance in its dedication to ending the AIDS epidemic. He called upon all partners, governments and stakeholders to join in redoubling efforts, innovating, and investing in solutions that save lives, adding that together, we can overcome the challenges outlined in the UNAIDS report and move closer to a world free from HIV and AIDS.