It has been 43 years since the first case of AIDS, and while progress has been significant, there is still much to be done to reach the goal of eliminating it as a public health threat by 2030. On December 1, World AIDS Day, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) and hundreds of global organizations reaffirm their commitment to keep HIV on the public health agenda, promoting prevention, diagnosis and treatment efforts. Because, although we have made progress, AIDS is still a pandemic that is not over.
The State of HIV in the World and Latin America
According to UNAIDS, new HIV infections have decreased by 39% globally since 2010. However, Latin America presents a worrying picture: infections have increased by 9% in the last decade, with approximately 120,000 new cases in 2023. For its part, the Caribbean has achieved a 22% reduction in new cases, but the region continues to register 15,000 infections annually.
Globally, 39.9 million people are living with HIV, and of these, about 9.3 million do not have access to the treatment necessary to lead a healthy life. In Latin America and the Caribbean, 2.5 million people are living with HIV and, unfortunately, 54,000 died in the last year from causes related to the virus.
Key Actions to End AIDS
To reach the 2030 target, it is essential to strengthen prevention and treatment strategies. AHF Latin America and the Caribbean proposes five priority actions:
- Promote accessible and effective prevention methods, such as condoms, which are 98% effective in preventing the transmission of HIV and other STIs.
- Facilitate access to rapid HIV tests, ensuring their availability in health facilities and vulnerable communities.
- Initiate treatment immediately for those who receive a positive diagnosis, following the “test and treat” model.
- Ensure retention in treatment so that people achieve undetectability of the virus, avoiding its transmission.
- Reduce stigma and discrimination by implementing inclusive policies and educational campaigns that normalize diagnosis and treatment.
A Call to Action
“Stigma continues to be a challenge in Latin America and the Caribbean. Many people are still unaware of their HIV status and face barriers to accessing treatment,” explained Dr. Patricia Campos, Head of AHF’s Office for Latin America and the Caribbean. “On this World AIDS Day, we call on governments to implement inclusive policies that guarantee universal access to prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Together, we can move towards a future where HIV is no longer a threat.”
As 2030 approaches, addressing the inequalities affecting people with HIV is more urgent than ever. Inequities in access to health care and information limit global efforts to reduce infections and improve the quality of life for those living with HIV.
Global Commitment to an HIV-Free Future
On December 1, AHF will host commemorative events in 45 countries, both virtual and in-person, to honor those who have lost their lives to HIV and reinforce the commitment to continue the fight against this pandemic.
AHF Latin America and the Caribbean reaffirms its mission to support people on their path to diagnosis and treatment, offering free rapid tests and access to treatment at no cost in more than 120 care centers distributed in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Panama and Peru.
How can you participate?
Get informed, get tested, and join the global commitment to end AIDS. This World AIDS Day, let’s work together to build a future where HIV is a thing of the past.
