Africa’s battle against HIV is showing remarkable progress, according to a newly released report. Sub-Saharan Africa has achieved the most significant reduction in new HIV infections since 2010, setting a global benchmark in the fight against the virus.
Key findings of the report reveal that Kenya, Malawi, Nepal, and Zimbabwe have reduced new HIV infections by 75%, putting them on track to meet a 90% reduction target by 2030. This success comes at a time when, for the first time, new HIV infections outside of Sub-Saharan Africa have surpassed those within the region.
Globally, new HIV infections have dropped by 39% since 2010, with the most substantial gains in eastern and southern Africa, where infections have fallen by 59%. Despite these successes, the report highlights rising infection rates in regions like the Middle East, North Africa, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and Latin America.
In 2023, nearly half of the world’s 1.3 million new HIV cases occurred in eastern and southern Africa. However, these regions have also achieved a 56% reduction in new infections since 2010, the steepest decline worldwide.
The report also points to a significant drop in HIV infections among children aged 0–14 years, with Africa leading the way. This achievement is largely due to the efforts in eastern and southern Africa, where the number of children acquiring HIV decreased by 73% between 2010 and 2023.
The need for enhanced interventions in western and central Africa is also stressed, as progress in these areas has been slower. Countries like Namibia are leading by example, receiving recognition in May for reducing mother-to-child transmission rates to below 5%, avoiding thousands of such transmissions over the past 20 years, resulting in a 70% reduction.
Botswana has been recognized for its strides in eliminating mother-to-child HIV transmission, with commendations dating back to 2021. A recent report further highlights the significant progress made in treating those living with HIV, thanks to the widespread availability of free antiretroviral therapy through public health systems.
The report reveals that by 2023, nearly 73% of adults globally living with HIV had achieved viral load suppression, a substantial increase from the 40% recorded in 2015. This improvement has led to a sharp decline in AIDS-related deaths, which dropped from 1.3 million in 2010 to 630,000 in 2023. In particular, the eastern and southern African regions have seen a 57% reduction in AIDS-related deaths over the past decade.
Progress has also been noted in other regions, with a 55% decline in AIDS-related deaths in western and central Africa by 2023, and a 6% decrease in the Middle East and North Africa. However, the report notes a concerning 34% rise in AIDS-related deaths in eastern Europe and central Asia during the same period.
Globally, efforts to achieve the 2025 target of 95% access to effective HIV prevention measures are ongoing, though challenges remain. In Africa, the diverse range of available prevention methods has increased participation, offering individuals more options to protect themselves.
Condom use continues to be a cornerstone of HIV prevention, with survey data showing that about 36% of adults in eastern and southern Africa and 25% in western and central Africa used condoms during their most recent sexual encounter. Additionally, innovative prevention methods like injectable PREP are gaining traction, with Zambia becoming the first African country to authorize its use in February 2024.
Despite these advances, there is growing concern over declining funding for HIV prevention programs in the regions most affected by the virus. The report indicates that global HIV funding in 2023 was $19.8 billion, a 5% decrease from the previous year and $9.5 billion short of the $29.3 billion needed by 2025.
The report emphasizes that strong political leadership is crucial in the fight against HIV. The decisions made by global leaders today will determine the future of millions of people, potentially saving lives, preventing new infections, and ensuring that those living with HIV can enjoy healthy, fulfilling lives.
