New HIV data from sub-Saharan Africa highlight challenges and reasons for hope
Nearly 10 million more young people in the region could have HIV by 2050 if trends continue
Data from multiple countries show impact of enhanced prevention and treatment efforts
25 July 2018 (Amsterdam, the Netherlands) – Researchers and public health experts presented promising new data on the HIV epidemic and response in sub-Saharan Africa at the 22nd International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2018) today.
While a UNICEF study highlighted the ongoing toll of HIV among young people in the region, data from several African countries demonstrated how enhanced HIV prevention and treatment programmes can dramatically reduce the impact of the epidemic.
“Despite extraordinary progress, HIV remains a serious threat to the lives of millions of people in sub-Saharan Africa,” Linda-Gail Bekker, President of the International AIDS Society and International Chair of AIDS 2018, said. “The data presented today underscore both the urgent need and the opportunity to invest in expanded HIV prevention and treatment programmes that can turn back the epidemic in Africa.”
Today’s press conference highlighted five abstracts being presented at AIDS 2018.
Note: Press summaries are based on abstracts; final data presented at the conference may change