HIV Response: 68% Reduction in New Infections, Encouraging Progress for Togo

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Extract from the article: The international community celebrated World AIDS Day, held every year on December 1st, as a moment to assess progress, identify ongoing challenges, and renew global commitments against HIV. In Togo, the commemoration was marked by a press....

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The international community celebrated World AIDS Day, held every year on December 1st, as a moment to assess progress, identify ongoing challenges, and renew global commitments against HIV. In Togo, the commemoration was marked by a press conference organized by the National Council for the Fight Against AIDS and STIs (CNLS). The meeting was chaired by the Minister Delegate to the Ministry of Health, Professor Tchin Darre, on Monday, December 1, 2025, in Lomé.

Under the global theme “Overcoming Disruptions, Transforming the AIDS Response,” the 2025 edition calls on countries to strengthen the resilience of their health systems, which have been severely affected by multiple crises—pandemics, conflicts, economic pressures, and disruptions to essential services. The goal is to build a more inclusive, durable, and disruption-resistant HIV response.

Togo adopted a complementary and strategic national theme: “Let’s Mobilize for the Triple Elimination of HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B in Children.” This aligns with regional commitments to eliminate three mother-to-child transmissible infections simultaneously—an important public health priority. Before civil society actors, media professionals, and partners, CNLS presented updated data on the national HIV response for 2024. “Togo has made significant progress in the fight against HIV thanks to the commitment of the government and its partners, resulting in a substantial reduction in morbidity and mortality and an improvement in life expectancy. Diagnostic and treatment services now meet standard norms, offering real relief to the population,” said Professor Tchin Darre.

Screening and Prevention: Sustained Efforts

According to CNLS, 594,329 people were tested for HIV in 2024. Additionally, more than 16 million condoms were distributed nationwide, reflecting stronger prevention efforts.

Data show a significant decline in new infections—from 6,300 in 2010 to 2,100 in 2024, a 68% decrease over 14 years. AIDS-related deaths also dropped to 1,800 in 2024, representing another 68% reduction since 2010. Among children aged 0–14, the decline reached 69%.

Togo Nearing the “95-95-95” Global Targets

CNLS highlighted progress in access to antiretroviral therapy (ART). In 2024, Togo achieved:

• 92% of people living with HIV knowing their status
• 99% of those aware of their status on ART
• 92% of people on ART with viral suppression

These results place the country close to the global 95-95-95 targets aimed at controlling the epidemic by 2030.

A Persistent Concern: Mother-to-Child Transmission

Despite progress, the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) remains a challenge. The CNLS reports a 13% transmission rate, nearly three times higher than the national target of 5%. This is attributed to disruptions in prenatal services, late or insufficient testing among pregnant women, limited adherence to treatment, and unequal access to health services in rural areas.

The triple elimination of HIV–Syphilis–Hepatitis B remains a major objective for the coming years.

A Call for Vigilance: Sustaining Efforts

In his message, CNLS Coordinator Professor Pitché Vincent called for continued mobilization: “The fight against HIV continues. Even though the situation in Togo is encouraging, every service interruption, every undiagnosed person, and every treatment not followed can reverse the progress.”

This highlights the importance of regular HIV testing, consistent supply chains, stigma reduction, and sustainable financing of the national response.

Togo’s progress is significant, but challenges—particularly PMTCT—require coordinated action from the government, partners, health professionals, community organizations, and the population itself.

Raymond DZAKPATA