About Careers MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

AIDS Epidemic may End by the Year 2030

by Dr. Enozia Vakil on September 20, 2013 at 10:48 PM
Font : A-A+

 AIDS Epidemic may End by the Year 2030

The global epidemic of AIDS may be over by the year 2030, a UN official claimed, thanks to the speedy treatments and control of the disease.

"I think that 2030 is a viable target to say that we have reached the end of the epidemic," said Luis Loures, a deputy executive director of UNAIDS, the UN agency leading the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Advertisement

"HIV will continue existing as a case here or there but not at the epidemic level we have today," he told journalists late Wednesday.

Three million new HIV infections are reported each year and the disease, which attacks the immune system, kills 1.7 million people a year.

"We can get to the end of the epidemic because we have treatments and ways to control the infection," said Loures, who is in Panama to discuss AIDS strategy with UN agencies in Latin America. "We are making progress, without a doubt."
Advertisement

Two decades ago the average annual cost of treatment per person with HIV was $19,000 while today it is $150 thanks to generic drugs.

Moreover, people with HIV are getting treatment earlier, which retards the disease's development.

According to UNAIDS, the annual incidence of new infections has fallen 20 percent over the past decade, and in 25 countries, including 13 in sub-Saharan Africa, it has fallen by 50 percent.

Over the past two years, the number of people who have obtained treatment for HIV has increased by 60 percent.

"The challenge is now for the most vulnerable groups," like homosexual males, sex workers and drug users who do not seek treatment for fear of being stigmatized or criminally prosecuted, Loures said.

"If we do not succeed in controlling the epidemic among these groups, AIDS will stay with us," he warned.

At the end of 2011, there were 34 million people living with HIV, 69 percent of them in sub-Saharan Africa where one in 20 adults have the disease.

"Today, there are a number of cases where we have evidence of a cure and that gives us great hope," Loures said.

Source: AFP
Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Reading

Latest AIDS/HIV News

 HIV Antibody Response Raised in Patients With Tuberculosis Disease
A new study has found that the co-localization of tuberculosis disease and HIV in lymphatic tissues leads to the emergence of potent HIV antibodies.
Exploring the Consistent Outcomes of an Antiviral Drug
Specific antiviral drug that is widely used to treat smallpox patients since last summer's outbreak is found to produce similar outcomes regardless of the patient's HIV status.
Why Is STI and HIV Screening Decreased While Positive Test Results Increase?
In susceptible communities because of poverty, and racism, the effects of inadequate STI and HIV screening may be more profound.
Who Is Responsible for the Blunting of AIDS Epidemic?
In India, annual HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths continue to drop. Between 2010 and 2021, new HIV infections dropped by 46%.
Are Countries Missing on HIV Self-Testing?
Globally, all countries have promised to end AIDS by 2030, for which it is essential to safeguard individuals living with HIV to complete HIV care services.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
×

AIDS Epidemic may End by the Year 2030 Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests