However, more than 30 million people receive rescue treatment worldwide, which makes the response of UN AIDS a “clear example of multilateral success”, said Amina Mohammed, UN under-secretary general, while the general assembly examined the progress made to end aid and prevent HIV infections.
‘Series of threats’
“”Global commitment fades. Funding drops. And HIV services and systems to deliver them are being disrupted“She said, highlighting the” threat series “which could cancel all the progress made in the fight against HIV in recent decades.
As funding decreases, clinics close and treatment supplies decrease, putting already vulnerable populations such as adolescent girls and young women, to a greater risk of contracting the disease.
Like funding for PEPFAR – the American program highlighting global efforts to combat HIV in Africa – faces the risk of permanent cuts, the United Nations World / AIDS (ONSIDA) global program warns against devastating consequences.
Without continuous support, around four million additional AIDS deaths and more than six million new infections could occur by 2029.
‘Continue the fight’
“”We cannot let the short -term cuts destroy long -term progress“Said Ms. Mohammed.” We must continue to fight. »»
The funding crisis must be treated urgently. Half of sub -Saharan African countries spending more on debt service than in health care, Ms. Mohammed stressed the need for debt relief, tax reform and increased international support.
“”Countries with low and intermediate income need sustainable funding by HIV and stronger national leadership In the fight against AIDS, “she said.
She also called at the end of attacks against human rights, warning that punitive laws, vigilant violence and hatred discourse against marginalized groups aggravate stigma and distance people from rescue services. “Protecting health means protecting human rights,” she said.
Many organizations led by the community are now funded and dismantled, just when their work is most necessary. Ms. Mohammed urged the UN and its partners to support these groups and their vital contributions.
“The end of AIDS is not a mystery,” she said, adding that if the elimination of the disease by 2030 is always achievable, “success is not guaranteed”.
