
The United Nations on Wednesday called for a robust political commitment from African leaders to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS and ultimately eradicate the disease by 2030.
Berthilde Gahongayeri, head of the UN’s AIDS program (UNAIDS), expressed deep concern over the continued impact of HIV, particularly in West and Central Africa, where key populations are disproportionately affected.
Gahongayeri emphasized the need for a multifaceted approach involving strong political will, technical expertise, and community engagement to prevent the mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
The UN official highlighted the importance of building upon the progress made thus far, as evidenced by a significant decline in new infections – from 450,000 in 2010 to 196,000 in 2024 – in the region.
However, a recent UNAIDS report, “Urgency of Now: AIDS at a Crossroad,” revealed a troubling trend: adolescent girls and young women aged 15 to 24 account for 19% of new infections globally.
Dr. Jascal Eby, a health expert with UNAIDS, attributed this alarming statistic to factors such as lack of knowledge, early marriage, and low condom usage.
“We must protect our youth and children from HIV,” Dr. Eby stressed. The crisis is particularly acute in West and Central Africa, which is home to over a quarter of all children living with HIV worldwide, according to a UNICEF report.
The UN’s urgent appeal underscores the ongoing battle against HIV/AIDS and the critical role of African leadership in achieving a global AIDS-free future.