New Delhi, Nov 30 (NationPress) The Southeast Asia region, which encompasses India, is reported to have around 3.9 million individuals living with HIV (PLHIV), accounting for 10 percent of the global burden, according to the World Health Organization's Regional Director for South-East Asia, Saima Wazed, on Saturday, in anticipation of World AIDS Day.
As of 2023, 78 percent of PLHIV in the region are aware of their HIV status.
Furthermore, 66 percent have accessed lifesaving antiretroviral treatment, and 64 percent have achieved a suppressed viral load.
Wazed highlighted that despite these treatments, the region still faces a significant challenge with a high incidence of vertical transmission (mother-to-child) affecting 80,000 children and adolescents aged 0-14, and approximately 53,000 infants are born with congenital syphilis.
"These children are one too many as there are effective interventions to eliminate mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, labour, and childbirth," she emphasized.
"While we have made considerable progress in reducing HIV/AIDS rates through robust national commitments, ongoing challenges must not be overlooked," Wazed remarked.
Additionally, marginalized groups, including men who have sex with men (MSM), sex workers, individuals who inject drugs, trans and gender-diverse individuals, and prisoners, continue to experience disproportionate effects due to stigma, discrimination, and, in some instances, criminalization.
She stressed the necessity of "confronting the inequalities" to fulfill the Sustainable Development Goals target of eradicating AIDS by 2030.
Moreover, Wazed referred to the theme, "Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right" for this year as "a rallying cry for accessible, rights-based healthcare that enables those affected by HIV/AIDS to lead vibrant and fulfilling lives."
The Regional Director also called for "boldly addressing the stigma and discrimination that serve as substantial obstacles to accessing prevention, treatment, and care."
"On this World AIDS Day, let us renew our commitment to the health and rights of all individuals affected by HIV/AIDS," Wazed urged.
