- Global HIV prevention report highlights urgent need for enhanced interventions
An estimated 1.3 million individuals were newly infected with HIV in 2023, surpassing the target of fewer than 370,000 new infections by 2025, according to a report released by the Global HIV Prevention Coalition (GBC) on Wednesday.
The report reveals a significant shift in HIV infection patterns, with more than half of the new cases occurring outside of sub-Saharan Africa for the first time. Despite notable progress in the region, where countries like Kenya, Malawi, and Zimbabwe have reduced new infections by over 66%, global figures remain troubling.
The GBC, a coalition of United Nations Member States, UNAIDS, donors, and civil society organizations, emphasizes that key populations—men who have sex with men, sex workers, transgender individuals, and people who use drugs—account for 55% of new infections globally. This represents a rise from 44% in 2010.
Prof. Sheila Tlou, GPC Co-chair and former Health Minister of Botswana, stressed the need for resilient and equitable HIV prevention interventions. The report also highlights the urgent need to address gaps in prevention coverage, particularly among young women, sex workers, and men who have sex with men.
UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director for Programmes, Angeli Achrekar, noted the potential of new prevention technologies, including long-acting antiretroviral options like lenacapavir, which could transform prevention efforts if made widely accessible. Currently, 3.5 million people use pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), but this falls short of the 10 million target for 2025.
Condom use remains a crucial, low-cost prevention method, but global procurement and distribution have declined significantly in recent years. The report calls for increased investments and policy changes to support comprehensive prevention strategies and address structural inequalities.
Mitchell Warren, GPC co-chair and Executive Director of AVAC, emphasized that ending HIV requires not only scientific advancements but also significant policy changes to combat stigma and protect human rights.
The report underscores the critical need for increased funding and political commitment to HIV prevention efforts. With a current shortfall of US$ 7.1 billion in funding for prevention programs, urgent action is required to prevent further escalation of the epidemic and meet global targets.
