All articles tagged with #hiv
Despite funding challenges, 2025 saw significant health victories including the early achievement of vaccinating 86 million girls against cervical cancer, the development of a new malaria treatment, the elimination of measles in several countries, the introduction of a promising HIV prevention drug, and advancements in tuberculosis treatment, all contributing to saving millions of lives worldwide.
New data from 2024 show that over 91% of clients in the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program achieve viral suppression, significantly reducing HIV transmission and improving health outcomes, despite ongoing threats to federal funding from GOP leaders.
Brazil has been validated by the WHO for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, marking a significant public health achievement driven by strong healthcare systems, political commitment, and community engagement, making it the largest country in the Americas to reach this milestone.
The US is not observing World AIDS Day this year, marking a departure from decades of commemoration, amid changes in foreign health policy and concerns from health experts about potential setbacks in HIV/AIDS efforts, despite ongoing work through programs like PEPFAR.
A small study suggests a potential pathway toward an HIV cure, with some participants maintaining low virus levels or controlling the virus without medication after experimental immunotherapy, offering hope for future treatments.
Advocates warn that proposed budget cuts to HIV programs in the US could reverse decades of progress in combating HIV/AIDS, emphasizing the importance of continued funding and policy support to prevent a rise in new infections and protect those living with HIV.
The article discusses how recent cuts in international aid from the US, UK, and Europe have severely impacted HIV/AIDS care in sub-Saharan Africa, leading to increased infections and deaths, especially among key populations like LGBTQ+ individuals and young women. Despite some signs of recovery and increased domestic funding, the overall situation remains dire, emphasizing the need for political courage and sustainable local responses to combat the epidemic effectively.
Jamaica has experienced an increase in sexually transmitted infections in 2024, with young adults aged 20-24 being the most affected, primarily due to low condom use and multiple partners. Women account for the majority of cases, and the rise includes infections like gonorrhoea, chlamydia, and syphilis. Despite the increase in STI cases, HIV new infections have slightly declined, and the overall HIV prevalence remains steady at 1.1%. Health authorities emphasize prevention through safe sex practices and regular testing.
HIV cases in the Philippines have increased sixfold over 14 years, mainly among young men who have sex with men, with issues like delayed diagnosis and low treatment coverage contributing to the rise. WHO urges actions such as reducing stigma, improving access to services, and expanding prevention options like PrEP to combat the epidemic and strengthen regional health security.
Zimbabwe is set to be among the first countries to roll out lenacapavir, a groundbreaking twice-yearly HIV prophylactic, which has shown over 99% efficacy in trials and is hailed as a potential 'miracle drug' in HIV prevention, though concerns about cost and accessibility remain.
The UK has approved a long-acting HIV prevention injection, cabotegravir, for NHS use in England and Wales, offering a discreet alternative to daily pills and aiming to help end new HIV cases by 2030. The injection, suitable for high-risk individuals who find daily pills challenging, is expected to be available soon, with ongoing research into even less frequent dosing options like annual injections. The rollout aims to improve access and reduce inequalities in HIV prevention.
German researchers have discovered a highly effective HIV-neutralizing antibody, 04_A06, which neutralizes 98% of tested HIV variants and could potentially be used for both treatment and prevention, offering hope for improved HIV management and vaccine development.
German researchers have discovered a highly effective HIV-neutralizing antibody called 04_A06, which shows promise for both treatment and prevention, neutralizing 98% of tested HIV variants and potentially reducing the need for daily medication or vaccines. However, further studies are needed before it can be used clinically.
A new drug called lenacapavir, approved for HIV prevention, offers a twice-yearly injection with near-vaccine efficacy, potentially transforming HIV prevention efforts worldwide, especially in low-income countries, but its impact will depend heavily on political and logistical factors.
The Maldives has become the first country to achieve 'triple elimination' of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B, thanks to strong political will, integrated healthcare, and universal coverage, setting a global example in public health.