Ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic in low- and middle-income countries by 2030: it is possible?

This paper discusses whether this ambitious goal is achievable for HIV/AIDS and what is needed to further accelerate progress

From:: Department for International Development
Published: 16 September 2016

Document Type:: Discussion Paper
Theme:: Health
Authors:: Harries, A.D., Suthar, A.B., Takarinda, K.C, Tweya, H

Abstract

The international community has committed to ending the epidemics of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical infections by 2030, and this bold stance deserves universal support.

In this paper, we discuss whether this ambitious goal is achievable for HIV/AIDS and what is needed to further accelerate progress. The joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) 90-90-90 targets and the related strategy are built upon currently available health technologies that can diagnose HIV infection and suppress viral replication in all people with HIV. Nonetheless, there is much work to be done in ensuring equitable access to these HIV services for key populations and those who remain outside the rims of the traditional health services. Identifying a cure and a preventive vaccine would further help accelerate progress in ending the epidemic. Other disease control programmes could learn from the response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

This research was supported by the UK Department for International Development’s Operational Research Capacity Building Programme led by the International Union Against TB and Lung Disease (The Union)

Citation

Anthony D. Harries , Amitabh B. Suthar , Kudakwashe C. Takarinda , Hannock Tweya , Nang Thu Thu Kyaw , Katie Tayler-Smith , Rony Zachariah (2016) Ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic in low- and middle-income countries by 2030: it is possible? F1000Res. 2016 Sep 15;5 https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.9247.1