By: Natasha Archary
UNAIDS shared a shocking revelation on 01 December, which marked World Aids Day.
The United Nations AIDS organisation said that the rate at which new AIDS infections are increasing is continuing across the world.
One of the primary reasons according to recent statistics is inequalities that are said to be holding communities back.
The organisation’s recent report shows that AIDS continues to ravage lives and jeopardize the health and safety of people globally.
Three specific areas of inequality were highlighted, as follows:
- Gender inequalities and harmful masculinities driving HIV
- Marginalisation and criminalisation of key populations
- Inequalities for children whose lives must matter more than their market share
The report points to a very stark reality that the world is not on track to end AIDS by 2030.
“What world leaders need to do is crystal clear, in one word – Equalize.
Equalize access to rights, equalize access to services, equalize access to the best science and medicine.”
Winnie Byanyima
UNAIDS Executive Director
In 2021, while 80% of women with the virus were accessing treatment, only 70% of men were.
This coupled with the increasing number of women who are testing positive or whom are at risk of HIV infection due to gender-based violence, stresses that we’re not going to defeat AIDS while patriarchy thrives.
Young girls between the ages of 15 to 24-years are three times more likely to contract HIV than adolescent boys of the same age.
A study shows that girls who stay in school until they matriculate, are at a 50% lower risk of HIV infection.
While over one third of the world’s adults are living with HIV and are on antiretroviral meds, just over half of the children are taking the meds.
Closing the treatment gap for children will save lives, says UNAIDS.
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