However, more than 30 million people receive life-saving treatment around the world, making the UN AIDS response a “clear example of a multilateral success,” said Amina Mohammed, the UN under Secretary-General on Thursday, when the General Assembly reviewed progress made to end AIDS and prevent HIV infections.
‘Series of threats’
“Global engagement fades. Financing is falling. And HIV services and systems to deliver them are disturbed“She said, highlighting the” series of threats “that could regret all the progress made in the fight against HIV in recent decades.
As the financing subsides, the clinics close and the treatment supplies are reduced, which sets out vulnerable populations such as young girls and young women, with a greater risk of getting the disease.
As funding from PepFar – the US program, leading global efforts to fight HIV in Africa – faces the risk of permanent cuts, the UN Global Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAID) warns of devastating consequences.
Without continued support, four million additional AIDS-related deaths could be estimated and more than six million new infections occur in 2029.
‘Continue the match’
“We cannot let short -term cuts destroy long -term progress“Said Ms. Mohammed.” We have to continue to fight. “
The financing crisis must be urgently addressed. With half of African countries under the Sahara, which spends more on debt service than on healthcare, Ms. Mohammed the need for debt relief, tax reform and increased international support.
“Low and middle-income countries need sustainable HIV financing and stronger national leadership In the fight against AIDS, ”she said.
She also called for the cessation of attacks on human rights that warned that Criminal Code, vigilant violence and hate opinion against marginalized groups aggravate stigma and drive people away from life -saving services. “Protection of health means protecting human rights,” she said.
Many community -leading organizations are now being written and dismantled just when their work is most needed. Ms. Mohammed called on the UN and its partners to support these groups and their important contributions.
“The end of AIDS is not a mystery,” she said, adding that while she eliminated the disease in 2030 is still achievable, “success is not guaranteed.”
