This year’s theme, “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response,” highlighted by WHO, emphasizes the urgent need for international cooperation and human-rights-centred approaches to achieve the goal of ending AIDS by 2030.
After decades of progress, the global HIV response faces serious challenges. Life-saving services have been disrupted, and many communities are more vulnerable. Yet hope persists, driven by the resilience and innovation of those determined to continue the fight against HIV.
Dr Mateo Prochazka, a WHO epidemiologist, stresses the critical role of both prevention and treatment.
“Life-saving treatment has allowed millions to live with HIV, but new infections continue to challenge global efforts,” he says.
“Daily prevention measures like oral PrEP have been transformative, but they are not always easy for everyone to maintain.”
Highlighting recent advances, Dr Prochazka points to lenacapavir (LEN), a long-acting medication recently recommended by WHO for HIV prevention. Unlike daily pills, LEN can be administered as an injection every six months.
“This means no more daily pills, fewer tests, and fewer clinic visits,” he explains.
In his opinion, at a time when funding for HIV is limited, this could be a game-changer, especially for people in low- and middle-income countries.
Clinical trials show that LEN prevented almost all new HIV infections and was safe and well tolerated.
"We still don't have an HIV vaccine, but LEN may be the closest thing yet," says WHO epidemiologist.
Dr Prochazka also explains that people on effective HIV treatment who achieve undetectable viral levels have zero risk of transmitting the virus to their sexual partners.
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Source: WHO