UNAIDS: Alarm over rise in HIV
UNAIDS is sounding the alarm over the rise in HIV/AIDS in many countries. According to the agency, the number of HIV infections is on the rise in 28 countries around the world and this is very worrying for people all over the world.
UNAIDS has released a landmark report calling on leaders to integrate human rights into their AIDS response strategy ahead of World AIDS Day, celebrated on 1 December each year.
The United Nations agency has warned that the world is not yet on track to eradicate AIDS as a public health threat.
Of the 39.9 million people living with HIV, nearly 9.3 million still do not have access to adequate treatment. Last year, 630,000 people died from AIDS-related illnesses, and 1.3 million new infections were reported worldwide. In 28 countries, the number of new infections continues to rise.
UNAIDS stresses that it is imperative that all people in need of treatment can access it without fear.
She notes that obstacles to this access, linked to factors such as gender-based violence, discrimination or lack of education for girls, remain major challenges.
When individuals face risks because of their identity, sexual orientation or community affiliation, accessing health services, which are essential for the fight against HIV, becomes a fight for survival.
To end the AIDS pandemic, UNAIDS advocates that the rights of all be protected.
“Protecting the human rights of every individual is not only a moral imperative, but also a necessity to ensure that the health of all is preserved and that the end of AIDS is a reality,” said UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima.
The new UNAIDS report brings together the latest research, case studies and recommendations to guide the world towards ending AIDS. It includes testimonies and essays from influential world leaders, including Elton John, Archbishop of Cape Town Thabo Makgoba, Irish President Michael D. Higgins, Volker Türk (UN High Commissioner for Human Rights), and Adeeba Kamarulzaman, former President of the International AIDS Society. The contributions call for a rights-based approach to ending the epidemic.
Furthermore, the report offers a clear road map, asserting that the key to eradicating AIDS lies in protecting human rights.
“This approach is essential to ensure access to health treatments and services for all people, regardless of their socio-economic status or geographical location,” she added.
Despite this increase in the number of HIV infections, ONISIDA recognizes the spectacular progress made in the fight against this scourge. In 1986, there was no treatment for HIV, and people living with the virus had no way to live long and healthy lives.
Today, thanks to medical advances, an HIV-positive woman who takes antiretroviral treatment can not only live a long and healthy life, but also give birth to a healthy child, without transmitting the virus during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
