Promoting respect for human rights to end AIDS

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Extract from the article: The world can put an end to AIDS, provided that the rights of all people are protected. By putting human rights at the centre and communities first, the world can eliminate this threat to public health by 2030.

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The world can put an end to AIDS, provided that the rights of all people are protected. By putting human rights at the centre and communities first, the world can eliminate this threat to public health by 2030.

As the world prepares to celebrate World AIDS Day on 1 December, UNAIDS is issuing a strong reminder that respect for human rights is the key to eradicating this pandemic by 2030.

Significant but insufficient progress

Over the last 15 years, global efforts have led to considerable progress in the fight against HIV. In 2023, 30.7 million people living with HIV, or 77% of the patients concerned, will have access to antiretroviral (ARV) treatment, compared with just 7.7 million in 2010. This development has led to a 51% drop in AIDS-related deaths.

In Togo, the results are just as encouraging. In 2023, of the 100,000 people living with HIV, 88% know their serostatus, 84% are on ARV treatment, and 76% have a suppressed viral load.In addition, new infections have fallen by 65% and AIDS-related deaths by 66% between 2010 and 2023. However, this progress remains fragile. In at least 28 countries, new HIV infections are on the rise, and children remain particularly vulnerable. In Togo, for example, only 68% of children living with HIV have access to treatment, compared with 85% of adults.

Human rights at the heart of the fight

The report entitled ‘Take the Rights Path’ published by UNAIDS stresses the obvious: protecting human rights is essential to an effective and sustainable response to HIV.

The fight against gender-based violence is crucial. In Togo, 12.7% of women aged between 15 and 45 have recently experienced domestic violence. Such violence increases their vulnerability to HIV. In addition, education plays an essential role in prevention. There is an urgent need to invest in girls' education and to introduce comprehensive sex education to reduce the risk of infection.

Guaranteeing access to healthcare for young people and children

In many countries, young people face restrictive laws that prevent them from accessing screening without parental authorisation.This contributes to a lack of awareness of their serological status and hampers prevention.Children, for their part, are often forgotten: a third of them are not screened within the first two months of life, and treatment coverage remains inadequate.

Combating stigmatisation

The marginalisation of sexual minorities and vulnerable groups exacerbates the situation. The criminalisation of these populations increases stigmatisation, distances them from health services and hampers progress. On the contrary, recent legislative changes in some countries show that it is possible to remove legal and social barriers to facilitate access to healthcare.

A call to action

To put an end to AIDS by 2030, it is imperative to follow ‘the path of rights’.This means protecting women, young people, children and vulnerable groups from violence, discrimination and legal obstacles.

UNAIDS remains optimistic that with inclusive policies, investment in education and a relentless fight against discriminatory laws, the world can hope to eradicate AIDS as a threat to public health.World AIDS Day 2024 is a reminder that the health of all depends on respect for human rights.

World AIDS Day 2024 is a reminder that everyone's health depends on respect for everyone's rights.

Jean ELI