New HIV Infections Decline Globally, But Challenges Remain

According to a UN report, global new HIV infections have declined, but have risen in eastern Europe, central Asia, the Middle East, and north Africa. Marginalized groups such as sex workers, transgender women, and gay men face discriminatory laws that limit their access to care.

Despite progress, young women in sub-Saharan Africa remain vulnerable. While new long-acting HIV treatments are available in wealthy countries, they are not yet accessible in developing nations.

Achieving the goal of ending AIDS by 2030 requires protecting human rights, addressing the debt crisis, increasing aid, expanding access to new treatments, and reducing inequalities. Challenges that remain include the criminalization of high-risk populations, stigma and discrimination, and limited access to resources.