Report shows achievements in global HIV response

Thirty years into the AIDS epidemic, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday released a report which evaluates achievements in the global HIV response ahead of a High Level Meeting on AIDS to take place in New York this June.

The report highlights that the global rate of new HIV infections is declining, treatment access is expanding and the world has made significant strides in reducing HIV transmission from mother to child.

“For treatment we estimate that over six million people now are receiving antiretroviral treatment in low- and middle-income countries, which is more than ever before,” says Peter Ghys, team leader of the Epidemic Monitoring and Analysis Team for UNAIDS. “In terms of prevention, the number of new infections have decreased by at least 25% in about 33 countries.”

Ghys told Vatican Radio that despite the progress made, the report recognizes that it is not enough and more needs to be done to achieve universal access to treatment.

Listen to Peter Ghys’ full interview with Kelsea Brennan-Wessels: