The “2024 Global AIDS Update” report by UNAIDS offers a detailed overview of the global HIV/AIDS epidemic, outlining both progress achieved and ongoing challenges in the fight against this crisis. This comprehensive document emphasizes crucial findings related to the epidemic and calls for urgent actions to ensure equitable access to HIV services for all populations.
Critical Insights on the Current HIV Landscape
As of 2023, an estimated 39.9 million people globally were living with HIV, with 53% of them being women and girls. There were 1.3 million new HIV infections in 2023, representing a 40% decline since 2010. However, this figure still significantly exceeds the 2025 target of 370,000 or fewer new infections.
Access and Coverage of HIV/AIDS Treatment
Approximately 30.7 million people living with HIV were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in 2023. Among those on treatment, 72% had a suppressed viral load. Notably, women had a higher rate of viral suppression (78%) compared to men (67%). Despite the advancements made, 9.3 million people living with HIV were not receiving antiretroviral therapy in 2023. Almost half of these individuals resided in sub-Saharan Africa, indicating that children and adolescents living with HIV are particularly underserved.
Variations in the HIV/AIDS Response Across Regions
The response to the *global HIV* crisis is progressing at differing speeds across regions. Sub-Saharan Africa has seen significant reductions in new infections and AIDS-related deaths, while other regions, such as Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and Latin America, are witnessing rising numbers of new infections. Many HIV programs continue to overlook key populations, such as gay men and other men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, sex workers, and transgender individuals, all of whom are at high risk of acquiring HIV.
Trends in AIDS-Related Deaths
The number of AIDS-related deaths has decreased by 51% globally since 2010, reaching the lowest level of deaths since the peak in 2004. Despite this progress, there were still approximately 460,000 AIDS-related deaths in 2023. As of 2024, 156 countries-maintained laws that criminalize HIV nondisclosure, exposure, or transmission. However, some countries like Zimbabwe, the Central African Republic, Kazakhstan, and the state of Nayarit in Mexico have removed such punitive laws.
Integrating Health and Human Rights in the Fight Against HIV
The report emphasizes the critical need for a sustainable response to the *global HIV* crisis that integrates health and social services. It prioritizes community engagement and respects human rights while addressing stigma and discrimination to ensure equitable access to HIV services.
In summary, the 2024 Global AIDS Update underscores the significant progress achieved in the response to the global HIV epidemic. However, it also highlights that substantial work remains to reach the 2025 targets and ensure equitable access to essential HIV services for all populations.
