On this year’s World AIDS Day, themed “Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right,” the World Health Organization (WHO) highlighted significant progress in the global fight against HIV/AIDS. WHO reported that 21.3 million people are now receiving antiretroviral treatment, significantly boosting their life expectancy.

Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, shared this achievement in her message to commemorate the day, emphasizing the substantial reductions in new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths. She noted that for the first time in 2023, the number of new infections outside sub-Saharan Africa surpassed those within the region.

Moeti praised the African region’s leadership in advancing the 95-95-95 UNAIDS targets—aiming for 95% of people living with HIV to know their status, 95% of those diagnosed to receive treatment, and 95% of those treated to achieve viral suppression. Seven African countries have already achieved these benchmarks, with the region’s overall progress at 90-82-76.

She called attention to the theme as a reminder of the critical link between safeguarding human rights and achieving the goal of eliminating HIV by 2030. Moeti stressed that HIV remains a complex issue tied to factors like poverty, gender inequality, and stigma. Addressing these barriers is essential for universal HIV care.

Despite Africa bearing the highest global HIV burden, Moeti commended countries like Botswana and Namibia for earning global recognition in reducing mother-to-child transmission rates. She also highlighted the adoption of effective HIV prevention tools, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which includes oral and injectable options, as well as the dapivirine vaginal ring.

However, Moeti expressed concern over the challenges of ensuring universal access to these innovations, calling for increased investments and policy reforms. She emphasized the importance of protecting human rights, eliminating discrimination, and fostering community involvement to address barriers to care.

Moeti acknowledged the strain caused by other disease outbreaks on African health systems but stressed the importance of strong, integrated, and person-centered healthcare approaches. She urged global partners to recommit to eliminating HIV, ensuring equitable access to healthcare, and achieving an AIDS-free generation.