Global Health Sector Strategies to Mitigate HIV, Viral Hepatitis, and STIs Risks, Prevalence – Report
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its inaugural biannual report for the 2022-2030 Global Health Sector Strategies on HIV, viral hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This report provides a comprehensive overview of the progress made, as well as the gaps that need to be addressed to meet the global targets for 2025 and 2030.
Stalling progress on infections, mortality
The report highlights that the decline in new infections and deaths from HIV, viral hepatitis, and STIs is not happening quickly enough. These diseases continue to cause approximately 2.5 million deaths each year. Alarmingly, hepatitis-related deaths have increased from 1.1 million in 2019 to 1.3 million in 2022. Additionally, over 1 million new infections occur daily, predominantly STIs. The rate of new HIV and viral hepatitis infections remains higher than the reduction targets set by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Gains are, nonetheless, notable
Despite these challenges, there have been notable improvements in service access, such as:
1. HIV treatment – Over 75% of people living with HIV are now receiving antiretroviral therapy, with 93% of those achieving suppressed viral loads.
2. Hepatitis C – Mortality from hepatitis C has decreased from 290,000 in 2019 to 240,000 in 2022, thanks to expanded treatment access. Egypt has notably achieved gold tier status for hepatitis C elimination, setting a precedent for other low- and middle-income countries.
3. Mother-to-Child transmission – Nineteen countries have been validated for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and/or syphilis. Dual HIV/syphilis rapid diagnostic tests are being increasingly used for pregnant women and key populations.
Areas that need attention
Despite progress, many indicators are off-track, according to the WHO report. These are:
1. HIV – Incidence and related deaths are declining too slowly. In 2022, there were 630,000 HIV-related deaths, often due to late care engagement and barriers to service access.
2. Hepatitis B and C – Only 13% of people with chronic hepatitis B and 36% with hepatitis C have been diagnosed. Treatment rates are even lower, highlighting the need for better diagnosis and care linkage.
3. Syphilis – Post-COVID-19, many countries have reported increases in adult and congenital syphilis cases.
HPV vaccination – Only 17% of girls were fully vaccinated against HPV by age 15 in 2022, far below the 2025 target of 50%.
Strategic recommendations for moving forward
To address these gaps, the report emphasizes the need for:
1. Strengthened planning and financing – Integration of HIV, viral hepatitis, and STI strategies into universal health coverage, with enhanced planning and financing dialogues.
2. Effective data utilization – Better use of available data for informed decision-making.
3. Combating stigma and discrimination – Intensified efforts to address stigma and discrimination in healthcare settings.
Concerted efforts in the healthcare sector
Countries need to integrate disease-specific efforts with primary healthcare, secure political commitment, and ensure programmatic linkages and sustainability. Achieving the 2025 and 2030 targets requires focused approaches to reach priority populations with high incidence and poor service access.
Despite Covid-19 setbacks, significant progress has been made, including WHO’s consolidated guidance on prevention and care for key populations and efforts towards eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B. However, the global response is still off-track for 2025 targets, necessitating renewed focus and intensified efforts. The report stressed that global health challenges can be addressed through collaboration, community engagement, and people-centered health systems, with strengthened partnerships across funding, academia, civil society, and affected communities being essential for future success.
Source: WHO
Category: Education, Top Story
