The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) has highlighted significant advancements in combating HIV/AIDS across West and Central Africa in recent years. The agency shared the update during the Regional Dialogue on the Status of the Epidemic and the AIDS Response in the region.
According to UNAIDS, recent figures indicate that by 2024, 81 per cent of people living with HIV were aware of their status, and 76 per cent were receiving antiretroviral therapy. Furthermore, 70 per cent achieved viral suppression, reducing the risk of transmitting the virus. Between 2010 and 2024, new HIV infections in the region fell by 55 per cent, while AIDS-related deaths dropped by 60 per cent.
Despite these gains, UNAIDS cautioned that the progress is not enough to meet the global goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 and stressed the need for continued dedication.
“The HIV epidemic is not over. It took the lives of 124,000 people in the region last year, and in at least five countries in west, central, and north Africa, new HIV infections continue to grow. So, even as we celebrate progress, let’s remember that the job is not yet done,” Susan Kasedde, UNAIDS Regional Director, West and Central Africa, said.
The dialogue aimed to bolster strategic coordination for a more effective, sustainable, and integrated response to HIV across the region. Angeli Achrekar, UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director, emphasised the timely opportunity to strengthen global efforts.
“This Regional Dialogue comes at a time of substantial progress towards development, for example, life expectancy has increased by 20 years in Africa since 2000. We have a unique political opportunity this year to mobilise action guided by the new 2026-2031 Global AIDS Strategy to end AIDS. And we have exceptional capacity for impact that can be leveraged through the power of country, regional and global partnerships,” Achrekar said.
UNAIDS also noted that inequalities within and between countries, across regions, districts, genders, ages, and population groups, continue to hamper progress, limiting the overall impact of HIV interventions.
Participants stressed the critical role of political will and proactive engagement in accelerating progress, closing gaps, and achieving an AIDS-free future. Countries were urged to take decisive steps to protect those most vulnerable to HIV infection and ensure their rights to life, health, inclusion, and safety are upheld.
The dialogue coincides with the rollout of the Global AIDS Strategy 2026–2031 and precedes the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS scheduled for June. The upcoming assembly is expected to galvanise international commitment and produce a new political declaration guiding the global HIV response over the next five years.
