Global HIV rates drop by 20%. Challenges to end AIDS by 2030 remain

A new Lancet study reports notable progress in combating HIV, with a 20% drop in new infections and a 40% during the 2010s.

In Short

• HIV infections have dropped by 20% globally
• The Lancet study says there has also been a 40% decline in AIDS-related deaths
• The rate of decline, however, remains low

A new Lancet study has revealed significant global progress in reducing HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths. The research highlighted a 20% drop in new HIV infections and a 40% decline in AIDS-related deaths during the 2010s.

However, the 1.3 million new HIV cases reported in 2023 are still more than three times higher than the level needed to meet the United Nations' goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, the agency said.

Over a million people are still contracting HIV each year, and nearly a quarter of the 40 million people living with HIV are still not receiving treatment.

The sub-Saharan Africa, the region most affected by HIV, has seen the most substantial improvements. However, in some regions, including Eastern Europe and the Middle East, the number of new infections has risen.

In September, India's Union Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel announced that the country's annual HIV infections had decreased by 44% since 2010. India is currently in the fifth phase of the National AIDS and STD Control Programme (2021-2026), fully funded by the government of India, to control the spread of HIV infections.

PREVENTIVE TOOLS

Preventative treatments like Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) have played a key role in reducing infections. Daily PrEP pills can lower the risk of contracting HIV from sexual contact by 99%. Countries like France are expanding access to PrEP, promoting it for anyone at risk, not just specific groups.

For those already living with HIV, antiretroviral therapy can suppress the virus to undetectable levels, reducing transmission risks to nearly zero.

However, access to such treatments remains unequal. Wealthier nations have benefited significantly, while poorer countries struggle due to high costs.

A NEW DRUG FOR HIV TREATMENT

A new drug, lenacapavir, could revolutionise HIV treatment. Early trials have shown it to be 100% effective in preventing HIV, with just two injections needed each year. This is a major improvement over daily pill regimens, especially in countries where stigma or limited healthcare infrastructure hinders consistent treatment.

However, lenacapavir’s high cost, around $40,000 per person annually in some countries, poses a barrier. Researchers estimate the drug could be produced for as little as $40, urging pharmaceutical giant Gilead to make it affordable for hard-hit nations.

Gilead has partnered with six generic drugmakers, including India's Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories and Emcure Pharmaceuticals, to distribute the treatment in countries.

While many experts praised the move, some pointed out that millions of people with HIV live in countries excluded from the agreement.

The twice-yearly injection is also expected to address another challenge in HIV treatment, the stigma associated with the disease.

WHAT ABOUT A VACCINE?

While decades have gone by with HIV-AIDS being hailed one of the most deadly diseases globally, a vaccine remains elusive.

However, with lenacapavir's introduction, this shot is "like having a vaccine," Andrew Hill, a researcher at the UK's Liverpool University, told AFP earlier this year.

As the 2030 deadline approaches, experts stress the need for greater global collaboration to ensure life-saving treatments reach everyone who needs them.

(With inputs from AFP)