Current efforts trying to curb the spread of AIDS are not enough, say experts. If the problem is not going to be addressed, especially in the countries where the disease is at high rates, they warned a new AIDS epidemic may strike again in only five years.
UNAIDS and Lancet Commission reports show that in spite of the incredible progress that has been made to improve access to HIV treatment on a worldwide level, the rate of new HIV cases is still going alarmingly strong.
In combination with the increased demographic growth that has been registered in the worst-affected countries, the number of individuals living with HIV – and in need of antiretroviral therapy in order to stay alive – has also been on the rise.
While many countries are working towards sharing the responsibility of funding that will help lower the HIV rates, the report makes it clear that the need for significant international support is urgent. Low-income countries who try to handle a great HIV burned are the one in particular need of foreign investments.
The report also offered some serious wake-up findings, such as the fact that up to 2 percent of the GDP would be required in order to sustain the current HIV prevention efforts and treatment.
Not only that, but also somewhere around a third of general government health expense is needed for the worst-affected African countries in order to curb the HIV rate through programs from 2014 to 2030.
The cold-shower information points to the fact that global support in these specific countries would be required for many years, making it a serious commitment. However, middle-income countries also need help curbing their HIV rates, even though that must and can do more investing in their own HIV prevention programs for the often marginalized communities.
Next five years are critical; if prevention efforts increase, HIV transmission and deaths caused by AIDS could experience a significant reduction. Meanwhile, such programs would basically eradicate mother-to-child transmission by 2030.
But for this to happen, resources and investment has to greatly increase and the use of said resources must happen in a more efficient and strategic way.
In order for the effects of HIV programs to be maximized, each country has to tailor their own combination that applies to the needs and contexts of the high-risk populations and according to their geographical locations where HIV prevalence is at its highest.
For countries such as Kenya, even more has to be done, as they also need basic health services and high quality antiretroviral treatment.
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