Trevor Mundel’s Post

UNAIDS reports the fewest new HIV infections since the 1980s, yet 1.3M people still acquired the virus in 2023—three times the rate needed to meet the goal of ending AIDS by 2030. While progress is being made, gaps in prevention, particularly in access to tools like PrEP, remain significant. Unitaid is addressing this with a $22M investment to fast-track the introduction of lenacapavir, a long-acting PrEP option that could transform prevention efforts. With just two injections per year, lenacapavir offers a game-changing opportunity to reach more people at risk, but only if it is affordable and accessible to all. By leveraging lessons from dolutegravir’s success, we are working with partners in South Africa and Brazil to integrate lenacapavir into diverse prevention strategies while preparing health systems for rapid scale-up globally. The time to act is now—innovations like lenacapavir must not remain out of reach for those who need them most. Read more: https://lnkd.in/embGiJSs

#ImpactStories: For more than two decades, the South African National HIV Prevalence, Incidence, Behaviour, and Communication Survey (SABSSM) series has been instrumental in guiding HIV-related public health interventions. This comprehensive survey series, led by the HSRC in collaboration with various partners, has provided critical data to inform South Africa’s national strategies for combating HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and tuberculosis (TB). Read more: https://loom.ly/dwXaT_8

Every hour 16 people are newly infected, and six people die from HIV-related causes in the Western Pacific Region. New HIV infections have risen by 8% and AIDS-related deaths by 10% since 2019, highlighting critical gaps in prevention, testing, treatment and care services, particularly for key populations, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). PEPFAR funds HIV in Papua New Guinea but with cases rising in other Pacific Island Countries expanding PEPFAR throughout the region could assist with prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Surges in cases are likely due to underfunded programs. https://lnkd.in/gdig-frK

Yesterday was #WorldAIDSDay, a crucial reminder that the fight against HIV/AIDS continues to be a pressing issue, especially in Africa. In 2023, sub-Saharan Africa accounted for 67% of global HIV cases and 60% of new infections. While significant progress has been made, including over 70% of people living with HIV in the region now on antiretroviral treatment (ART), there are still challenges in accessing consistent care, especially in rural areas. The rise of tools like PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) shows promise, but access remains a significant barrier. Additionally, the stigma surrounding HIV continues to hinder efforts to encourage testing and treatment. We must continue pushing for political leadership, increased investments in healthcare infrastructure, and global partnerships to meet the 2030 goal of ending the epidemic. The next generation, particularly young women, remains at high risk, and they need access to both prevention education and treatment. Together, we can make progress toward a world where HIV/AIDS is no longer a crisis. 👉 Read more about the ongoing fight against HIV in Africa and how we can make a lasting impact: https://lnkd.in/dERyvb-t #EndAIDS #HIVPrevention #GlobalHealth #HealthEquity #WorldAIDSDay #SustainableDevelopment

Expressing Gratitude and Honor: A Session with Mr. Saravanan, Counselor at Rajiv Gandhi Hospital. The session on 07/08/2024 gave lot of insights on HIV and AIDS and the Role of Social Workers in Combating Sexually Transmitted Diseases. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) are significant global health challenges that have profound implications for individuals, communities, and healthcare systems worldwide. Here are some key insights into HIV and AIDS: Understanding HIV and AIDS -HIV is a virus that attacks the body's immune system, specifically the CD4 cells, which are crucial for fighting off infections. Over time, HIV can destroy so many of these cells that the immune system becomes severely damaged, making it hard to fight off infections and diseases. AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV infection. It is defined by a CD4 cell count below a certain threshold or the occurrence of specific opportunistic infections or cancers that take advantage of the weakened immune system. Transmission HIV is transmitted through: - Unprotected sexual contact with an infected person. - Sharing needles, syringes, or other injection equipment. - From mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. - Blood transfusions with infected blood (rare in developed countries due to screening). Global Impact - HIV remains a major global public health issue, with millions of people living with and affected by the virus worldwide. - Sub-Saharan Africa is the region most affected by HIV, but the epidemic is truly global, with significant impacts in various regions, including Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. #health #governmenthospital #socialwork #society #change #awareness #impact #challenges #stigma #myths #knowledge #treatment #prevention

A major shift has occurred in the global HIV epidemic. For the first time ever, more new infections are happening outside of sub-Saharan Africa. This is a testament to the incredible progress made in combating the virus in African nations, where new cases have dropped by 56% since 2010. However, this progress is overshadowed by a concerning trend in other regions. Countries in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and North Africa are experiencing rising HIV infection rates. This alarming development highlights the uneven global response to the pandemic. While Africa has made strides, these other regions are falling behind. The fight against HIV is at a critical juncture. With funding cuts and a growing backlash against human rights, access to vital care and prevention services is dwindling for marginalized communities. Urgent action is needed to reverse this trend and ensure everyone has the opportunity to live a healthy life free from HIV.

Join Us at the 20th Indian Ocean HIV and AIDS Colloquium in Madagascar! 🗓️ When: November 2024 📍 Where: Beautiful Madagascar The 20th edition of the Indian Ocean HIV and AIDS Colloquium is just around the corner, and it’s an event you won’t want to miss. 🔬 What’s It All About? The Colloquium brings together health professionals, researchers, and policymakers across the Indian Ocean region. We’ll dive deep into strategies for combating HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and addiction. It’s a unique opportunity to share insights, learn from experts, and collaborate on effective solutions. 🌍 Why Madagascar? Madagascar, received the hosting banner from Seychelles during the last colloquium, last year. Despite its challenges, Madagascar is a resilient host. The country has faced natural disasters like droughts and cyclones, yet it remains committed to fighting HIV. Let’s support Madagascar’s efforts and learn from their experiences. 🤝 Regional Collaboration Matters Remember the last Colloquium in Seychelles? We emphasized the power of regional collaboration. Together, we can achieve more—preventing new infections, improving treatment access, or supporting vulnerable populations. 🔍 Key Topics: HIV Prevention: Addressing critical gaps to reduce new infections. Treatment Access: Ensuring everyone gets the care they need. Addiction: Tackling substance abuse and its impact on health. 🎙️ Speakers and Sessions: Expect engaging talks, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities. Let’s build connections, share knowledge, and ignite change. 📢 Spread the Word! Tag your colleagues, share this post, and mark your calendars. Together, we’ll make a difference in the fight against HIV/AIDS. 🙌 #IOCC2024 #HealthMatters #MadagascarConference Consider being a sponsor: We still need some sponsors for the event. More information to come.

HIV continues to impact women across the Asia-Pacific, with 56% of new infections in Papua New Guinea affecting women—many of them young and vulnerable. Innovations like PrEP rings and injectable treatments are putting HIV prevention in women’s hands, but we must ensure these life-saving tools reach those who need them most.. Read more about the challenges and opportunities for HIV prevention in our region and how you can help 👇 https://lnkd.in/gf4yrPXT

HIV continues to shape the lives of women and girls in our region. The stark reality is that in Papua New Guinea, more than half of new HIV infections are among women, with 45 per cent of these infections in young women aged 15 to 29. Chair of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Roslyn Morauta shares more on the power of prevention programs that put power in women’s hands. #HIV