While rates of new HIV infections and deaths have dropped significantly, the pace must quicken to meet the UN’s goal of eradicating aids as a public health threat by 2030

Global rates of new HIV infections and deaths linked to the virus have experienced a significant decline, but experts warn that more rapid progress is needed to achieve the United Nations’ target of ending Aids as a public health threat by 2030. A new study published in The Lancet HIV on Monday reveals a mixed global picture, with the greatest reductions occurring in sub-Saharan Africa, where HIV infections have fallen by more than 50% since their peak in 1995.

However, the report also highlights worrying increases in HIV cases in central and eastern Europe, as well as central Asia, regions that have seen steep rises in infection rates. Despite the global decline, the study points out that the pace of reductions may not be sufficient to meet the UN’s interim goals for 2025, which include reducing new HIV infections to below 370,000 and cutting HIV-related deaths to under 250,000.

Between 2010 and 2021, new HIV infections globally decreased by nearly 22%, with the number of new infections falling to 1.65 million. At the same time, HIV-related deaths dropped by almost 40%, down to 718,000. These statistics demonstrate substantial progress, yet the current trajectory suggests the world is not on track to meet the ambitious targets set for the end of the decade.

Dr. Hmwe Kyu, an associate professor at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) and co-author of the study, commented on the findings: “The world has made remarkable progress in significantly reducing the number of new HIV infections and lives lost to the disease, yet there are remaining challenges to overcome.”

One of the major hurdles remains access to treatment. While substantial gains have been made, approximately a quarter of the 40 million people living with HIV are still not receiving the necessary treatment, and over a million people continue to contract HIV each year. This underscores the need for continued efforts to provide access to life-saving antiretroviral drugs and preventative measures, particularly in regions where the virus is still on the rise.