•Data by UNAIDS shows that new HIV infections on the continent have been reduced by 60 per cent since the peak in 1996
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African leaders and partners have renewed their commitment to end AIDS by 2030.
The leaders on the sidelines of the 36th Session of the African Union committed to a set of actions to boost the progress towards ending AIDS on the continent.
President William Ruto was among those who attended the Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia that took place between February 17 to 19.
This will ensure will all African counties achieve the 95-95-95 targets, access medicines and diagnostics and reduce new infections.
The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) in a statement said the leaders committed to among others eliminating discrimination and stigma against people living with HIV.
Other commitments include creating a conducive structural, legal, regulatory, and policy environment that addresses persistent HIV-related equity gaps and promotes gender equality.
The heads of state also resolved to take personal responsibility and provide active leadership in the AIDS response, champion science and mobilize domestic political and financial support.
"This is timely as it will allow us to take stock of the progress made and challenges remaining and to consider a way to end AIDS by 2030," Minata Samate Cessouma said.
Cessouma is the Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development at the African Union.
Data by UNAIDS shows that new HIV infections on the continent have been reduced by 60 per cent since the peak in 1996 and in some countries by as much as 95 per cent.
AIDS-related deaths have been reduced by 72 per cent since the peak in 2004, and in 2021 more than 88 per cent of people living with HIV in Africa knew their HIV status of whom 89 per cent were accessing antiretroviral treatment.
This has been achieved through the support of partners such as UNAIDS, PEPFAR and the Global Fund.
“When HIV/AIDS is over, establishing regional manufacturing on the Continent of Africa will be our legacy for fighting infectious disease across the Continent and globally,” U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator and Special Representative for Global Health Diplomacy Ambassador Dr John Nkengasong said.
According to UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima, UNAIDS Executive Director Universal Health Coverage presents an opportunity for African self-reliance.
UNAIDS leads and inspires the wo
rld to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths.