Global health leaders have called for sustained funding, regional products manufacturing and innovative solutions to accelerate progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
They made the call on Monday during a webinar organised by the Global Fund to commemorate the 2024 World AIDS Day.
The Lead of the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), Dr John Nkengasong explained the critical need for sustained funding and regional manufacturing of products to combat HIV/AIDS.
Nkengasong highlighted the importance of locally produced HIV-related products.
“We strongly support regional manufacturing. If there is a made-in-Africa rapid test for HIV, we will buy up to 15 million units,” he said.
He said that the commitment aligned with PEPFAR’s strategy to shape markets in Africa, fostering self-reliance and sustainable solutions.
He also emphasised that significant funding was required to continue progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
“In September 2022, President Biden hosted our replenishment, raising 15.7 billion dollars.
“We need a similar amount in 2025, but there is always anxiety about how to achieve this,” he said.
He called for robust governance, domestic financing and international collaboration to meet global health goals by 2030.
Highlighting the disparities in progress, he said that Malawi had exceeded UNAIDS’ 95-95-95 targets with over 940,000 people on treatment but still recorded 14,000 new infections annually, mostly among young people.
This, he said, demonstrated the need for innovation and targeted interventions.
The Deputy Executive Director at UNAIDS, Ms Christine Stegling highlighted the financial barriers hindering health progress, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
“Countries in this region spend three times more on debt servicing than on health,” Stegling said, advocating debt relief, affordable financing and increased revenue collection.
She also called for global solidarity to address gaps in health systems, especially for marginalised groups.
“While prioritising self-reliance, we also need collective efforts to bridge these gaps,” she said.
The Executive Director of the Global Fund, Mr Peter Sands emphasised the need for continued innovation and financial support.
Sands highlighted promising innovations such as long-acting injectable PrEP and the vaginal ring, saying that they could significantly reduce infections.
However, he noted the challenge of raising funds during the 2025 replenishment campaign critical to maintaining treatment for over 25 million people worldwide.
“Without sustainable financing mechanisms, we risk losing progress made,” Sands warned.
He stressed the importance of integrating public and private funding and leveraging private finance to bridge healthcare gaps while reducing pressure on public resources.
Prof. Dean T. Jamison, Emeritus Professor at the University of California, San Francisco, highlighted the importance of data-driven and targeted interventions.
“By focusing on the most vulnerable populations, we can maximise impact and ensure efficient use of resources,” he said.
The experts called for urgent action, innovative solutions and sustainable financing to close gaps and achieve the 2030 global targets for ending HIV/AIDS.
World AIDS Day is crucial for raising awareness about HIV/AIDS, a condition that continues to impact millions worldwide.
World AIDS Day is observed annually on Dec. 1 to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, show support for people living with HIV/AIDS and remember those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses.
It is a global initiative that encourages individuals, communities and governments to take action in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
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