BERLIN, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Participants at the ongoing AIDS 2024, the 25th International AIDS Conference, call on putting people first in global HIV response to end the pandemic that is threating public health and individual well-being.
"Putting people first means that whether in the design of clinical trials or implementing new policies and programs, people living with and affected by HIV must be not just beneficiaries but actors driving our efforts," said Sharon Lewin, president of the International AIDS Society (IAS) and AIDS 2024 International Co-Chair.
Lewin highlighted the "incredible breakthroughs" presented at AIDS 2024, including a new case of long-term HIV remission and a promising twice-yearly injection to prevent HIV.
"While these advances are cause to celebrate... All around the world, regressive policies, attacks on human rights, the spread of misinformation, cuts to global health funding, and waning trust in international institutions are roadblocks to progress," she said, adding that an evidence-based HIV response and a political climate that respects science are essential.
Themed "Put People First," the AIDS 2024 on July 22-26 in Munich, Germany, attracted over 10,000 participants. The conference is also accessible virtually.
"Worlds of research, healthcare, activism, and policy are required to agree on fundamental principles. Putting people first is one such fundamental principle and we call on all actors in the HIV response to align with this approach," said the official website of the conference.
Citing the data in the latest report titled The Urgency of Now, AIDS at a Crossroads, UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima said that despite global targets to reduce new HIV acquisitions to below 370,000 by 2025, the number remains more than three times higher, at 1.3 million new infections in 2023.
According to the report, new HIV infections are rising in the Middle East and North Africa, Eastern Europe and Central Asia and Latin America. "Gaps and inequalities persist," it said.
"The new data shows that success or failure will be determined by the actions taken this year," Byanyima said. "We are calling on leaders to take three critical steps: resource the response; get long-acting treatment and prevention options to all low- and middle-income countries; and break down the discrimination and stigma that are pushing the most marginalized people away from health care."
"We know the path that ends AIDS but we have no time to wait," he added.
The International AIDS Conference is the premier global platform to advance the HIV response. As the world's largest conference on HIV and AIDS, it sits at the intersection of science, advocacy and human rights, bringing together scientists, policymakers, healthcare professionals, people living with HIV, funders, media and communities.
Since its start in 1985, the conference has served as an opportunity to strengthen policies and programs that ensure an evidence-based response to HIV and related epidemics. ■