AIDS Progress Stalled, Human Rights Crucial in Fight: WHO
World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus delivered a sobering message on Thursday, warning that recent gains made in the fight against AIDS are “in jeopardy” and the decline in new infections and deaths has stalled.
Unaddressed Needs and Persistent Disparities
Tedros’ remarks came during a World Health Organization press conference on World AIDS Day, where he highlighted the importance of human rights in combating the virus.
“Although nearly 30 million people receive antiretroviral treatment, millions more need it but do not receive it. Nearly 5 million people still do not know they are living with HIV. Many of these disparities impact those who are marginalized, criminalized, or key groups of people discriminated against,” he stated.
“The most effective way to close these gaps and reach these populations is to recognize and respect their human rights,” Tedros emphasized. “On this World AIDS Day, let us jointly take the right path.”
Monkeypox: Ongoing Public Health Crisis
The WHO chief also addressed the ongoing monkeypox outbreak, reiterating its classification as a “public emergency of international importance.” He urged countries to take “stronger political action” to expand their responses.
“We need well-resourced preparedness and response plans. We need greater contributions, including diagnostics and vaccines, and we need transparency and continued cooperation among affected countries,” Tedros stressed.
Focus on Africa: Highlighting the Urgent Need for Action
Tedros underscored the disproportionate impact of monkeypox in Africa, where more than 75% of confirmed cases and deaths occurred this year.
He noted that the Democratic Republic of Congo is at the epicenter of the outbreak, with the Ib clade spreading to six provinces, including the capital, Kinshasa.
“The Ib branch has also spread to four neighboring countries,” Tedros reported. “Burundi has reported more than 2,000 cases, mostly in urban areas. Uganda has 649 cases, and the epidemic is expanding rapidly. Rwanda has confirmed 37 cases, and Kenya has 19. In addition, at least eight other cases have been reported in Africa, the Americas, and Europe,” he added.
Vaccination Efforts: Hope on the Horizon
On a more positive note, Tedros highlighted progress in the global vaccination effort. “Six million doses of vaccine have been committed to date, of which 1.6 million doses are ready for distribution by the end of the year. Nearly 56,000 people have been vaccinated in seven provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and health officials are preparing to start second doses of the vaccine in Kinshasa this week.”
How does a rights-based approach, addressing human rights violations and stigma, contribute to effective HIV responses and tackle the AIDS epidemic?
## A Shot of Reality on World AIDS Day
**(Interviewer):** Today is World AIDS Day, a day for reflection on the progress made in the fight against HIV/AIDS, but also a day to face some sobering realities. Dr. [Guest name], thank you for joining us today.
**(Dr. [Guest Name]):** It’s my pleasure to be here.
**(Interviewer):** The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a stark warning today. Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that recent progress against AIDS is stalling. What does this mean, and what factors are contributing to this standstill?
**(Dr. [Guest Name]):** It’s true. While we’ve seen remarkable strides in expanding access to antiretroviral treatment, reaching nearly 30 million people, millions more are still in dire need. Unfortunately, progress has plateaued, and new infections and deaths remain stubbornly high. This stagnation is largely due to persistent inequalities and unmet needs, particularly amongst marginalized and vulnerable populations.
**(Interviewer): ** Dr. Tedros specifically highlighted the importance of human rights in tackling the AIDS epidemic. Can you elaborate on this connection?
**(Dr. [Guest Name]):**: Absolutely. As UNAIDS states, a rights-based approach is essential for effective HIV responses. [[1](https://www.unaids.org/en/topic/rights)]. Stigma and discrimination, often driven by laws and policies that criminalize certain behaviors or identities, create barriers to prevention, testing, and treatment. These barriers disproportionately impact key populations like sex workers, men who have sex with men, and transgender individuals, fueling the epidemic.
**(Interviewer):** So, what needs to happen to reignite progress?
**(Dr. [Guest name]):** We need a multi-pronged approach. First, addressing the inequalities and human rights violations that fuel the epidemic is paramount. Second, we must ensure universal access to antiretroviral treatment, prevention tools, and accurate information. investing in community-led initiatives and empowering those most affected by HIV/AIDS is crucial. We cannot afford to lose momentum in this fight. World AIDS Day is a powerful reminder of the work that still needs to be done.
