MSF: HIV response in West and Central Africa will not succeed if key barriers remain unaddressed

African heads of state meet today in Addis Ababa to endorse the emergency catch-up plan led by UNAIDS to accelerate HIV treatment in West and Central Africa. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reiterates its call for a clear roadmap and strong political commitment from affected governments and all international stakeholders, towards removing longstanding barriers and implementing proven simplified strategies that will boost lifesaving treatment for 4.7 million living with HIV not yet accessing antiretroviral therapy (ARV). Lower rates of HIV prevalence in the region’s 21 countries, ranging from two to 10 per cent, have long resulted in less attention and investment in its overall HIV response. Here, only 28 per cent of people and 20 per cent of children living with HIV have access to ARV, resulting in high numbers of deaths and an incidence outpacing treatment initiations.

MSF: HIV response in West and Central Africa will not succeed if key barriers remain unaddressed
Source: Virology News