Manila, Nov 29 (NationPress) HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths are escalating in the Western Pacific region, negating years of advancements in the battle against the epidemic, as stated by the World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday.
Since 2019, new HIV infections have increased by eight percent and AIDS-related deaths by ten percent, revealing serious deficiencies in prevention, testing, treatment, and care services, especially for key populations, according to the WHO's regional office in Manila.
While 76 percent of individuals living with HIV in the region have access to essential antiretroviral therapy, the UN health agency emphasized in its media release, “Experts concur that these alarming trends indicate a pressing need for intensified efforts to halt the spread of HIV and avert unnecessary fatalities.”
The Western Pacific region is confronted with substantial challenges, with 2.3 million individuals living with HIV, 140,000 new infections, and 53,000 deaths recorded in 2023 alone, as reported by the WHO and Xinhua news agency.
“Every hour, 16 individuals are newly infected, and six people lose their lives due to HIV-related causes in the Western Pacific region,” the report highlighted.
“The increasing rates of HIV infections and deaths in the Western Pacific region serve as a critical wake-up call. We must urgently tackle the obstacles that hinder individuals, particularly those in key populations and their partners, from accessing prevention, treatment, and care,” stated Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO regional Director for the Western Pacific.
