WHO
World AIDS Day 2022
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World AIDS Day 2022

Equalize

The global HIV response is in danger, even as HIV remains a major public health issue that affects millions of people worldwide. Over the last few years progress towards HIV goals has stalled, resources have shrunk, and millions of lives are at risk as a result.

Division, disparity and disregard for human rights are among the failures that allowed HIV to become and remain a global health crisis.

On 1 December WHO joins partners to commemorate World AIDS Day 2022, under the theme “Equalize”. WHO is calling on global leaders and citizens to boldly recognize and address the inequalities which are holding back progress in ending AIDS; and equalize access to essential HIV services particularly for children and key populations and their partners - men who have sex with men, transgender people, people who use drugs, sex workers, and people in prisons.

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Key messages

Renew our commitment to end HIV

Persistent economic, social, cultural and legal inequalities and challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and other global crisis requires renewed efforts to maintain visibility for HIV and to end AIDS as a public health threat.


People living with HIV image

Focus on equality

Inequalities still persist for the most basic services like testing and treatment. We must ensure that everyone, everywhere has equal access to HIV prevention, testing, treatment and care. Health services should be adapted to reach and meet the needs of populations most at risk and affected, and this includes implementing a ‘zero tolerance’ policy to stigma and discrimination in all health services.


Elimination litmus test – children and key populations

WHO recommends a renewed focus on populations that have been left behind in the global response to HIV and AIDS.

Only 52% of children living with HIV are on life-saving treatment. If we can show progress in ending new infections among children and ensuring all are on quality antiretrovirals (ARVs), we have greater hope and can ensure greater political commitment to end AIDS in all populations by 2030.

Globally, 70% of new HIV infections are among people who are marginalized and often criminalized. We can only end AIDS by scaling up HIV services and removing structural barriers & stigma and discrimination of key populations in every country.