In a stark warning, Winnie Byanyima, the executive director of the United Nations AIDS programme (UNAIDS), has expressed deep concerns about the global response to AIDS being under threat. Byanyima emphasized that this perilous situation arises from an unprecedented backlash against human rights, particularly affecting groups most vulnerable to HIV infection.
Byanyima pointed out that countries with laws discriminating against LGBTQ individuals or criminalizing sex work and personal drug use are witnessing a worrying increase or stagnation in new HIV infections. Stigma, discrimination, and inadequate comprehensive sex education further exacerbate the problem.
In an interview in London, Byanyima stated, “This pushback—anti-human rights, anti-democratic, anti-gender equality—has put our work under threat.” UNAIDS, with a goal of ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic as a public health threat by 2030, believes that this target is still attainable. Several countries in Africa are on track or near their goals. However, in regions like eastern Europe and north Africa, HIV infections are on the rise.
“We are saying it can be achieved. That’s not the same as saying it will be achieved,” Byanyima cautioned.
As of 2022, there were 39 million people living with HIV, with 1.3 million newly infected individuals. While almost 30 million people are receiving treatment, there were still 630,000 AIDS-related deaths reported in the previous year, according to UNAIDS data.
The new report released by UNAIDS calls for the recognition and funding of community organizations to combat stigma and the broader backlash, advocating for a community-led approach.
Byanyima acknowledged additional challenges, such as securing funding and addressing contentious issues with pharmaceutical companies to ensure the affordability of new products in low-income countries. The fight against AIDS remains a global imperative, but it is contingent on a concerted effort to protect human rights and address the diverse challenges faced by different communities.