However, more than 30 million people receive treatment to save lives worldwide, which makes the UN AIDS response a “clear example of a multilateral success,” said Amina Mohammed, from the UN under the general secretary on Thursday, when the General Assembly reviewed the progress to end aid and prevent HIV infections.
‘Threat series’
“The global commitment is fading. The financing is falling. And HIV services and systems to deliver them are being interrupted“He said, highlighting the” series of threats “that could undo all the progress achieved in the fight against HIV in recent decades.
As financing decreases, clinics are closing and treatment supplies are decreasing, which puts already vulnerable populations, such as adolescents and young women, with greater risk of contracting the disease.
As Pepfar funds, the American program that led global efforts to combat HIV in Africa, faces the risk of permanent cuts, the UN Global Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDA) warns about devastating consequences.
Without continuous support, it is estimated that four million additional deaths related to AIDS and more than six million new infections could occur by 2029.
‘Keep with the fight’
“We cannot allow short -term cuts to destroy long -term progress“Mrs. Mohammed said.” We need to continue fighting. “
The financing crisis must be approached urgently. With half of the sub -Saharan Africa countries that spend more in the debt service than in medical care, Mrs. Mohammed emphasized the need for debt relief, tax reform and greater international support.
“Low and medium income countries need sustainable HIV financing and stronger national leadership In the fight against AIDS, ”he said.
He also requested the end of attacks against human rights, warning that punitive laws, vigilant violence and hate discourse against marginalized groups worsen stigma and move away people from services that save lives. “Protecting health means protecting human rights,” he said.
Many organizations led by the community are now being disbursed and dismantled, just when their work is most needed. Mrs. Mohammed urged the UN and its partners to support these groups and their vital contributions.
“The end of AIDS is not a mystery,” he said, adding that by eliminating the disease by 2030 it can still be achieved, “success is not guaranteed.”
