UNAIDS chides Africa’s failure on HIV treatment

Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), has urged African countries to urgently identify and close gaps in their HIV response to achieve the goal of ending AIDS by 2030, noting that more than nine million people across the continent still require life-saving treatment.

“Those most vulnerable include children, adolescent girls and young women, key populations, and the general population in need of treatment. This is not acceptable. We must close the treatment gaps and urgently address the new infections we are seeing,” she said.

Ms. Byanyima, who also serves as a United Nations Under-Secretary-General, made the remarks at a press briefing on the sidelines of the ongoing 23rd International Conference on AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Africa (ICASA 2025).

She stressed the need for Africa to urgently strengthen both prevention and treatment efforts, noting that while the continent stands before unprecedented opportunities driven by innovation, technology, and strong community systems, HIV responses must be prioritised and adequately resourced.

Ms. Byanyima emphasised that protecting human rights remains central to delivering effective HIV services, adding that community leadership is critical to ending the epidemic.

“We have to ensure that communities lead the response, and we must not stop until we end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030,” she said.

She acknowledged that some African countries have already achieved the 95-95-95 targets ahead of schedule, but stressed the importance of identifying and addressing remaining gaps. According to her, certain populations, specific geographic areas, and children continue to be left behind in treatment, while adolescent girls and young women remain disproportionately affected by new infections.

Ms. Byanyima said tackling societal barriers such as stigma and discrimination is essential to closing prevention and treatment gaps. “This is possible. We have the tools, the science, the knowledge, and the will to do it,” she said.

She urged countries yet to meet the 95-95-95 targets to intensify efforts by prioritising HIV, investing in human resources, and strengthening political commitment. She cautioned that the gains made so far remain fragile and require sustained investment supported by realistic national budgets.

ICASA 2025, organised by the Society for AIDS in Africa, is being held from December 3 to 8 under the theme, “Africa in Action: Catalysing Integrated and Resilient Health Systems for Sustainable Responses to End HIV, Other Infectious Diseases, and Emerging Threats.”

The conference has brought together about 3,000 delegates, including global experts, policymakers, researchers, community advocates, development partners, and leaders from 85 African countries.

Source: GNA