On December 1st, we unite with commitment and passion to celebrate World AIDS Day 2024. The World Health Organization (WHO) unites with partners and communities worldwide, urging leaders and individuals to advocate for the essential right to health. We must address the inequalities that obstruct our progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals target of eradicating AIDS by 2030.
This year serves as a call to action for equitable, rights-based healthcare that enables those impacted by HIV/AIDS to lead vibrant and fulfilling lives. A rights-based approach goes beyond just a method; it is a promise to uphold the dignity, health, and independence of every person, particularly those who are vulnerable or at greater risk.
We must confront the stigma and discrimination that act as significant obstacles to accessing prevention, treatment, and care. The WHO is committed to fostering environments where everyone—regardless of their HIV status or social identity—can access the necessary services without fear or exclusion. Empowering communities and civil society is crucial for amplifying the voices of those at higher risk and creating a supportive framework that integrates human rights with health outcomes.
Marginalized groups continue to suffer disproportionately from this epidemic, facing serious challenges due to stigma, discrimination, and, in some instances, criminalization. HIV rates are particularly elevated among key populations such as men who have sex with men (MSM), sex workers, people who inject drugs, transgender and gender-diverse individuals, and prisoners.
It is vital to tackle the social, economic, legal, and cultural inequalities that obstruct access to HIV services for everyone. Focusing on those most affected and dismantling discriminatory laws are critical steps to meeting our global HIV goals and achieving universal health rights. As we assess the current situation, we recognize that 39.9 million people worldwide live with HIV, and there were 1.3 million new infections reported in 2023—significantly surpassing the goal of fewer than 370,000 by 2025. In the South-East Asia Region of the WHO, approximately 3.9 million individuals are living with HIV, which accounts for 10% of the worldwide total.
As of 2023, 78% of individuals living with HIV in the region were aware of their infection, 66% had access to essential antiretroviral therapy, and 64% managed to achieve viral suppression. While we have made considerable progress in reducing HIV/AIDS rates through strong national commitments, it is important to acknowledge the persistent challenges. Around 80,000 children and adolescents aged 0 to 14 are estimated to be living with HIV, accounting for 2% of total cases in the region, primarily due to mother-to-child transmission.
Furthermore, around 53,000 babies are born with congenital syphilis each year. Each one is too many, especially given the effective interventions available to eliminate mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, labor, and childbirth. These children encounter numerous complex challenges as they grow up with HIV. WHO’s initiative for the ‘triple elimination’ of vertical transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B virus is essential to preventing these infectious diseases in the next generation.
Three countries—Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Thailand—have successfully achieved the elimination of vertical transmission of HIV and syphilis. Moreover, while new infections among young people have generally decreased, some countries are observing concerning rises, particularly where nearly half of new infections occur among young key populations aged 15 to 24 years.
For many young individuals who contract and live with HIV, the experience is filled with challenges that go beyond medical issues. The emotional toll of an HIV diagnosis can be significant for both them and their families. Young people often deal with feelings of isolation, fear, and stigma, which can lead to emotional shock, social withdrawal, and a reluctance to seek essential medical care.
Many face discrimination, making it harder to remain healthy and safe. Additionally, young key populations encounter unique barriers in accessing healthcare. A lack of comprehensive sexual education, crucial for understanding their health needs and preventing further infections, is prevalent. Fewer than a quarter of young people in the region are aware of how HIV is transmitted or acquired, and even fewer possess knowledge about sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
This knowledge gap increases their vulnerability, as they may avoid testing or treatment due to misinformation or the fear of stigma. The recent adoption of a Ministerial Declaration on Adolescent-Responsive Health Systems on October 8, 2024, by countries in the WHO South-East Asia region, signifies a major commitment to creating inclusive health systems tailored to the needs of young people. This is in complete agreement with our World AIDS Day theme, highlighting the significance of tackling these matters.
