Data also show insufficient progress on removing punitive laws that increase the risk of HIV infection and death in marginalised people including LGBTI people, people who inject drugs, and sex workers.
The report records marked inequalities within and between countries, including racial inequalities, that are stalling progress. In the UK and USA, declines in new HIV cases have been greater in white populations than among Black people. Also HIV acquisition rates are higher in indigenous communities than in non-indigenous communities in Canada, Australia and USA.
The report points out that unless urgent action is taken to tackle the inequalities which drive the pandemic, the number of new infections per year would be more than 1.2 million in 2025 - over three times more than the goal of 370, 000 new infections - a goal set and pledged by UN member states.
Community-led responses are proving to be game changers in reducing inequalities and supporting effective and resilient HIV responses. However, the ability of communities to lead efforts to end AIDS is impeded by inadequate funding, shrinking space for civil society engagement, and punitive legal and policy environments.
Other than the USA, overseas development assistance for HIV from bilateral donors has plummeted by 57% over the last decade. The HIV response in low- and middle-income countries is US$ 8 billion short of the amount needed by 2025. And yet, ending AIDS will cost much less money than not ending AIDS.
UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima's words are bang on the spot: "Data show that the global AIDS response is in severe danger. These figures are about political will. Do we care about empowering and protecting our girls? Do we want to stop AIDS deaths among children? Do we put saving lives ahead of criminalisation? If we do, then we must get the AIDS response back on track. We can end AIDS by 2030 as promised, but what it takes is courage."
Ending AIDS definitely requires political will and courage. We have the tools we need to do so. But the curve will not bend itself. The challenge is to summon the courage required to close the gaps in the response and end HIV-related inequalities.
Shobha Shukla - CNS (Citizen News Service)
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