Hope and Challenges in the Fight Against HIV: Can We End the Epidemic by 2030?
HIV remains a global public health challenge, with the World Health Organization (WHO) estimating that 39 million people were living with the virus by the end of 2022. More than two-thirds of these individuals reside in Africa, highlighting the disproportionate impact of the epidemic on the continent.
Despite this persistent challenge, significant progress has been made in the fight against HIV. We now have effective antiretroviral treatments that can suppress the virus, prevent disease progression, and significantly extend life expectancy for those living with HIV.
Furthermore, a new, innovative treatment called lenacapavir has emerged, offering hope for people living with HIV. This groundbreaking therapy uses two annual injections, costing around $40,000, and promises to further enhance treatment options.
Following a request from UNAIDS, the manufacturer of lenacapavir, GILEAD, has signed a licensing agreement with six generic manufacturers to make this potentially life-changing treatment accessible in 120 countries.
Will this be enough to achieve the ambitious target of ending the HIV epidemic by 2030, a goal set by the WHO, the Global Fund, and UNAIDS?
-
Pr Jade Ghosn
Infectious disease doctor, responsible for
Information, Screening and Diagnosis Center for HIV and STIs, at Bichat-Claude Bernard hospital
APHP, in Paris.
University Professor of Infectious Diseases at the
Faculty of Medicine of Paris Cité University
and Doctor of the Hospitals of Paris. President of the Regional Coordination Committee for the fight against HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections for Île-de-France North (
COREVIH Île-de-France North
) -
Dr Leopold Zekeng
Country Director and Representative of
UNAIDS in Nigeria
. -
Rostand,
activist of a community organization in Cameroon, member of the networks
Coalition PLUS
platform for community organizations fighting HIV. Member of the task force for the recognition of peer-education professions.
►At the end of the show, we take stock of the work carried out by Inserm, the University of Grenoble Alpes, and the CHU Grenoble Alpes, in Peru, in the highest city in the world, Rinconada (5,300m), on the impact of the lack of oxygen on the body. Interview with
Samuel Verges, INSERM Research Director at Grenoble Alpes University, responsible for the research program
Expedition 5300.
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* How can global partnerships and funding initiatives be strengthened to ensure equitable access to HIV prevention, treatment, and care in low- and middle-income countries?
## Hope and Challenges in the Fight Against HIV: Can We End the Epidemic by 2030?
**Today, we are joined by Dr. Jade Ghosn,** an infectious disease doctor and University Professor of Infectious Diseases at the Faculty of Medicine in Paris. Dr. Ghosn, thanks for joining us.
**Dr. Ghosn:** Thank you for having me.
**We’re discussing the ongoing fight against HIV, a global challenge that continues to affect millions. While there have been significant strides in treatment and prevention, the goal of ending the epidemic by 2030, as set by the WHO, the Global Fund and UNAIDS, remains ambitious. What is your assessment of our progress?**
**Dr. Ghosn:** We’ve made tremendous progress since the height of the epidemic. Antiretroviral treatments have revolutionized HIV care, allowing people living with the virus to lead long and healthy lives. [According to the provided information, “Every 25 seconds, someone in the world is infected with HIV,” and “One-quarter of people living with HIV – more than nine million people – lack access to lifesaving treatment.”][[1](https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/12/1157641)]
The emergence of innovative treatments like lenacapavir, which offers a less frequent dosing option, is promising. However, the high cost of these newer treatments remains a barrier to access, particularly in resource-limited settings where the burden of HIV is highest.
**This is a crucial point. How can we ensure equitable access to these life-changing treatments, especially in regions most affected by HIV?**
**Dr. Ghosn:** Initiatives like the licensing agreement between Gilead and generic manufacturers are a step in the right direction. This will hopefully make lenacapavir more accessible in 120 countries. We need continued investment in research and development of affordable treatment options, along with strengthened healthcare systems in low- and middle-income countries.
**Given the ongoing challenges, do you believe ending the HIV epidemic by 2030 is a realistic goal?**
**Dr. Ghosn:** It’s an ambitious target, but not impossible. Achieving it will require a multifaceted approach. This includes not only expanding access to treatment but also tackling the social determinants of health that contribute to the spread of HIV, such as poverty, stigma, and discrimination.
Ultimately, ending the epidemic requires a global commitment to solidarity and equity.
**Thank you for your insights, Dr. Ghosn. **