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The World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Friday about 30 million people living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are currently on Antiretroviral (ARV) treatment.
The Director-General of the WHO, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, stated this during an online media conference ahead of the December 1 World AIDS Day. (WAD).
He said nine million others living with the virus are in dire need of treatment but are not getting it.
Ghebreyesus recalled that since the commemoration of the first World AIDS Day (WAD) in 1988, the WHO had expanded access to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of HIV.
He lamented that “the gains are at real risk, and reduction in new infections and deaths have stalled.
“While nearly 30 million people are currently on antiretroviral treatment, another nine million need treatment and are not getting it,” the Ethiopian added.
According to him, the theme of the 2024 WAD celebration — “Take the Rights Path” — is a reminder of the critical importance of human rights in response to HIV.
He said the danger is that many more people are unaware that they are living with HIV.
“Many of these gaps are among key populations who are marginalised, criminalised, or discriminated against, as well as men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, transgender people, sex workers, and prisoners.
“The most effective way to close the gap and reach these populations is by recognising and respecting their rights,” Ghebreyesus stated.
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