Breaking: WHO has announced notable reductions in new HIV !nfections and AIDS across Africa
The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced notable reductions in new HIV !nfections and AIDS-related de@ths across Africa, marking a significant milestone in the continent’s fight against the ep!demic.
The WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Rebecca Moeti, shared this in her statement on Friday, November 29, to commemorate World AIDS Day under the theme, “Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right.”
“Seven countries have already achieved the targets, with the overall rating for the region currently at 90-82-76. About 21.3 million people are now on antiretroviral treatment, raising their life expectancy.
Botswana (silver tier status) and Namibia (bronze tier status) have both been recognized for notably curbing mother-to-child HIV transmission rates, achieving the required indicators for the ‘Path to the elimination of HIV’ criteria introduced in 2017,”
“We have a collective obligation to protect human rights, specifically ensuring that health care is available to everyone, without any discrimination, regardless of their HIV status, background, gender or where they live. Stigma and discrimin@tion cannot be allowed to undermine the gains and impede our progress,”
“Let’s take this opportunity today to acknowledge the progress, but to also renew our joint commitment to eliminating HIV. By protecting everyone’s right to health, and reducing new HIV !nfections, we can achieve an AIDS-free generation and ensure the sustainability of the HIV response,” she said.
However, Africa still needs strong health systems and integrated, person-centred approaches to health care to meet the needs of the vulnerable populations.
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