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March 10th is National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day and this year's theme is: Prevention and Testing at Every Age. Care and Treatment at Every Stage. In the United States, about 23% of people living with HIV are women. The more we talk about women's experiences living with HIV, the more we reduce stigma, the more we talk about HIV prevention and treatment, the better we support this community. This day reinforces the need to highlight the disparities experienced by some women around HIV prevention and care in particular, including Black women, transgender women, and young women aged 13-24 years. A critical aspect of HIV prevention is access to and awareness of PrEP as an HIV prevention tool, but women continue to have lower rates of PrEP use relative to their need. In 2021, for example, women made up only 8% (28,852) of PrEP users, despite representing 18% (6,552) of all new HIV diagnoses in the U.S. This is one of the many reasons we opened our PrEP Clinic at Plan A Health to support folks in the Mississippi Delta who have experienced inaccess or stigma in seeking HIV prevention-related care. As the nation works towards ending the U.S. HIV epidemic by 2030, we must prioritize women and girls, particularly women of color and trans women, in public health planning. This means developing policies and programs that address the social and structural inequalities that pose barriers to HIV testing, prevention, and care for half our population. Learn more about the HIV positive community, living with HIV, and public health and preventative measures here in Mississippi: https://lnkd.in/gpGgVMPp

National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NWGHAAD): Every year on March 10 — and throughout March — local, state, federal, and national organizations come together to shed light on the impact of HIV and AIDS on women and girls, and to show support for those at risk of and living with HIV. In the United States, about 23% of people living with HIV are women and, in 2021, women made up 19 percent of new diagnoses, according to CDC data. The highest number of new diagnoses were among women ages 25 to 44. Advances in testing, treatment, and prevention have resulted in progress toward the nation's goal to end the HIV epidemic by 2030. The theme for NWGHAAD 2024 is "Prevention and Testing at Every Age. Care and Treatment at Every Stage." The Office of Women's Health continues this theme to reemphasize the need to further prevention efforts and ensure equity in HIV care and treatment. It also reinforces the first 3 goals of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS), which focus on the prevention of new HIV infections, improving HIV-related health outcomes of people living with HIV, and reducing HIV-related disparities. NWGHAAD focuses efforts on three of the target populations outlined in the NHAS; Black women, transgender women, and youth aged 13-24 years. If you want to get a free, rapid HIV test or to discuss what prevention options are right for you, call our clinic at 615.499.7406.

Yesterday, we released CHAI’s 15th annual HIV Market Report – I can’t believe I have been a part of all 15. Since we released that first report 15 years ago, CHAI and partners have driven significant advances in HIV care that increased treatment coverage and led to reductions in AIDS-related deaths. Many millions of people living with HIV in low- and middle-income countries today are thriving on an optimal, dolutegravir (DTG)-based regimen. *But our work is not yet done*: 👉 More than 9 million people living with HIV are NOT on treatment, and many people cycle in and out of care, risking progressing to advanced HIV disease. 👉Outcomes for children and adolescents living with HIV continue to lag far behind outcomes for adults. And the lack of focus on ending highly preventable AIDS deaths among children is unacceptable. 👉New infections remain stubbornly high at 1.3 million in 2023, and progress has been unequal across regions and population groups. 👉Alongside improvements in life expectancy, increasing co-morbidities with non-communicable diseases present new health management challenges. 👉Various political and economic contexts raise ever greater questions around future funding of and investment in essential HIV programs. Despite these challenges, there is progress on the horizon. Groundbreaking updates in long-acting options for both treatment and prevention could transform the HIV space. These advancements offer person-centered and empowered choices. Integrating sexual and reproductive health services will improve access to treatment and prevention options, including expanded access for pregnant women. Development and wider use of HIV self-tests and multi-disease tests could help identify more cases and link more individuals to care and prevention services. Momentum around integration of HIV services, including with primary health care, offers the opportunity to support client-centered, sustainable care. 🌟 All of these updates, and many more, can be found in the report. *Check it out here*: https://lnkd.in/emxb7Vx7

“We live in exciting times where we have the scientific evidence and tools to end HIV transmission. The Victorian response is a multi-pronged approach that puts people in the centre” - Professor Jason Ong - Head of HIV/STI Economics and Health Preference Research, Sexual Health Physician; Melbourne Sexual Health Centre (MSHC), Co-Head; MSHC HIV/STI Clinical Trials Unit. In recognition of #WorldAidsDay on Dec 1, we proudly reaffirm our commitment to achieving the virtual elimination of new HIV transmissions in Victoria by 2025, as part of our Victorian HIV Plan 2022-30. To achieve our vision, the Victorian HIV Plan 2022–30 focuses on 4 goals: 🔹 empowering Victorians to reduce their risk of acquiring HIV, 🔹 ensuring Victorians living with HIV knows their status, 🔹 providing access to best practice evidence-based treatment and care, and 🔹 addressing the stigma, racism, and discrimination that can prevent access to testing, treatment and care. Regular testing, early detection and rapid linkage to treatment are vital to decreasing HIV transmission in Victoria and achieving our elimination agenda. In July 2023, the Victorian HIV Treatment Program for people not eligible for Medicare was launched, marking an important step forward. This program ensures every Victorian has access to HIV prevention medication. In its first year, 700 people accessed the service, helping bridge critical gaps in care. Together, with our partners in the HIV sector, Victorians are making strides towards a future free of new HIV transmissions. To learn more about the Victorian HIV Plan 2022–30, visit https://lnkd.in/g4pDce9n In proud partnership with Alfred Health, Living Positive Victoria - LPV, Positive Women Victoria, Thorne Harbour Health #WorldAIDSDay2024

To mark World AIDS Day, we are highlighting Glasgow Caledonian University's pioneering ePrEP Clinic. At a Scottish Parliament event commemorating World AIDS Day, the Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health, Jenni Minto, hailed Glasgow Caledonian University’s pioneering ‘ePrEP Clinic’, a digital service for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The ePrEP Clinic feasibility study launched earlier this month and is now welcoming its first patients. Dr Ross Kincaid, part of the research team that developed the ePrEP Clinic, said: “We are delighted that the ePrEP feasibility study was highlighted at the World AIDS Day event at the Parliament and that it was met with such interest and enthusiasm. “The study is part of the Scottish Government-funded ePrEP research programme, based at Glasgow Caledonian University, and is an important step towards providing people with more choice and convenience in how they get PrEP, facilitating appropriate person-centred, self-managed care and more effective use of resources.” A key part of HIV transmission elimination strategies is the upscaling of oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) provision. PrEP is a pill that people take to prevent HIV acquisition. In Scotland, sexual health services are the primary providers of PrEP-related care. The University’s ePrEP Clinic, led by Professor Claudia Estcourt, will compliment in-clinic care, offering established PrEP users the choice to complete some of their routine PrEP check-ups without having to attend a sexual health clinic, making long-term PrEP care more convenient for users and reducing the pressure on sexual health clinics. The Scottish Parliament

We're standing with over 20 charities to urge the next Government to deliver on the historic goal of zero HIV cases by 2030. With just five years until 2030, our joint manifesto One Parliament Left, sets out the urgent actions Parliament must take to achieve this commitment. We can end new HIV transmissions in the UK by 2030 and ensure everyone living with HIV can live a long, healthy life. We could even be the first country in the world to do so. But there are less than 6 weeks until polls open and the UK elects the parliament that will have the chance to make this historic goal a reality. Produced with expert charities, doctors’ groups and public health professionals, the manifesto calls for the following six actions to ensure the UK achieves zero HIV transmissions by 2030: ➡️ an expansion of opt-out HIV testing ➡️ the introduction of a national one-stop-shop online PrEP, HIV and STI postal testing service ➡️ the creation of a national re-engagement programme for people living with HIV who are not in care ➡️ the provision of year-on-year, above inflation public authority health grant funding ➡️ the development of a national sexual health strategy ➡️ justice for those impacted by the contaminated blood scandal. The 2019 to 2024 Parliament has seen considerable progress – the first UK Government HIV Action Plan was published, opt-out HIV testing introduced in 81 A&E departments, PrEP commissioned in sexual health services, and discrimination is being tackled across multiple settings including; the military, pilots, driving, blood donation and fertility rights. But there is so much more to be done. The vital progress made so far is threatened by a new sexual health crisis. Rates of STIs are higher than ever, demand for services is ever increasing, and access is limited for many. This manifesto is a clear call from the HIV and sexual health sector. We are united and committed to work with government, the NHS, and all partners to take forward these top priorities. If our leaders are serious about ending the HIV epidemic they must act fast in the next parliament or we will miss the chance to end new cases by 2030 and have no chance of being the first country to do it.

Today, I had the opportunity to present the findings of this groundbreaking study, "Introducing a Human Rights-Based Approach to HIV in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region: A Mixed Methods Study," for The Global Network of People Living with HIV (GNP+) at the ILGA World Conference. As indicated by the title, this study represents the first comprehensive investigation of HIV issues through a holistic human rights lens. The MENA region is one of the few areas globally experiencing a rise in HIV infections, which increased by 116% between 2010 and 2023. These new infections are particularly concentrated among key populations (KPs) most affected by HIV in the region, including sex workers, people who inject drugs (PWID), and men who have sex with men (MSM), with a specific focus on individuals assigned male at birth. According to UNAIDS, approximately 84% of new HIV infections in 2022 were attributed to these key populations. The factors contributing to this persistent increase are deeply embedded in a lack of political will and the harsh socio-legal environments confronting KPs and people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the region, where stigma, discrimination, criminalization, state-sponsored violence, and hate speech are prevalent. This study seeks to explore how these adverse contexts influence HIV dynamics in the region, the ways in which KPs and PLHIV advocate for their human rights, and the challenges and needs they encounter. To accomplish this, a mixed-methods approach was employed, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative techniques, with a sample size comprising 100 survey responses and 38 participants engaged in focus group discussions and interviews. The findings convey a clear message to international, national, and regional stakeholders, as the study reveals that negative socio-legal contexts for KPs and PLHIV significantly hinder their access to HIV services. Moreover, the human rights advocacy efforts of KPs and PLHIV face numerous obstacles, with the challenges and needs of these populations in the region centering around fundamental issues related to their livelihoods, including economic empowerment, legal aid and reform, and mental health support. Consequently, as emphasized by the study's participants, eradicating HIV in the region cannot occur without fostering an environment in which KPs and PLHIV can exist with dignity and fully exercise their human rights. I am currently finalizing the submission of this study to an academic journal, and I anticipate that it will be published in full next year. Stay tuned!

South Africa’s battle against HIV is far from over, but its dedication to innovative solutions, community-driven approaches, and universal healthcare access provides a model for the world. Through persistence, compassion, and collaboration, the country is turning the tide against the epidemic. HIV Testing and Counseling: South Africa has scaled up voluntary testing and counseling programs, with millions of tests conducted annually. Community health workers play a crucial role in reaching rural and underserved populations. #Antiretroviral Therapy (#ART): The government offers free ART to people living with HIV, and South Africa now has the largest ART program in the world. This treatment suppresses the virus, improves quality of life, and reduces the risk of transmission. Prevention Initiatives: Condom Distribution: Massive campaigns ensure free condoms are widely available. Medical Male Circumcision: Promoted as a preventative measure, this program reduces the risk of HIV transmission. Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (#PrEP): High-risk groups are provided with PrEP to prevent infection. Addressing Mother-to-Child Transmission: South Africa’s prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) program has reduced transmission rates to less than 2%, a major public health success. Education and Awareness: Grassroots campaigns educate communities about HIV, aiming to reduce stigma and encourage safe practices. School-based programs focus on empowering young people with knowledge about sexual health. Support from NGOs and Global Partners Local NGOs: Organizations like the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) advocate for access to medication and the protection of human rights. Global Fund and PEPFAR: International partnerships have provided critical funding and technical support to expand South Africa’s HIV response. Innovative Approaches Health Solutions: Mobile health platforms provide reminders for medication adherence and connect individuals to healthcare providers. Community Adherence Clubs: Groups support ART adherence while reducing the burden on healthcare facilities. Youth-Friendly Clinics: Tailored services engage young people in HIV prevention and care. Ongoing Challenges Despite significant progress, hurdles remain: Stigma: Fear of discrimination continues to prevent many from seeking care. Treatment Gaps: Some rural areas still lack adequate healthcare infrastructure. Behavioral Barriers: Cultural norms and misinformation hinder prevention efforts. The Path Forward: South Africa's fight against HIV offers lessons in resilience and innovation. Continued progress will depend on: Sustained funding and global partnerships. Strengthening healthcare systems to reach the most vulnerable. Tackling the root causes of inequality that drive the epidemic.

Today we commemorate the 37th annual world AIDS day, a global event aimed at raising awareness about the HIV AIDS pandemic promoting HIV prevention and supporting those affected by the disease. This year we celebrate World AIDS day under the theme "Take the right path ;my health my right." Significant progress has been made in reduction prevention and treatment of HIV over the years however it still remains a major global threat in Zambia particularly where a state of emergency was action because of drought, the challenges to prevent control and reduce the number of HIV presents a challenge that emphasizes the need to scale up actions to achieve the countries 95-95-95 goal. This year's theme "Take the rights path : My health my right" highlights the importance of prioritizing one's health ensuring the right to access adequate and quality HIV prevention and treatment services. The theme also underscores the importance of human rights in the context of HIV/AIDS. It recognizes that people living with HIV/AIDS often face stigma, discrimination, and marginalization, which can prevent them from accessing essential health services. Key Messages 1. Know your HIV status: Get tested and know your HIV status to take control of your health. 2. Demand access to quality HIV services: Ensure that you have access to quality HIV prevention, diagnosis, and treatment services. 3. Prioritize your health: Take ownership of your health and well-being, and prioritize HIV prevention and treatment. 4. Human rights are key: Recognize that human rights, including the right to health, are essential in the response to HIV/AIDS. Call to Action On this World AIDS Day, we call on individuals, communities, organizations, and governments to: 1. Scale up HIV testing and treatment services: Ensure that all individuals have access to quality HIV testing and treatment services. 2. Address stigma and discrimination: Work to eliminate stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS. 3. Promote human rights: Recognize and promote the human rights of people living with HIV/AIDS. 4. Support HIV research and development: Continue to support research and development of new HIV prevention and treatment technologies. 5. Focus on key and vulnerable populations for delivery of HIV services. 6. Support and empower health workers to deliver high quality HIV services to everyone who needs them. Ensure adequate training in HIV services for health workers. Together, we can take the right path towards a world where everyone has access to quality HIV services, and where human rights are respected and protected.

📃Scientific paper: Understanding gender differences of people with HIV newly diagnosed or returning to care with advanced HIV disease in Malawi: a qualitative study Abstract: Background Despite tremendous progress in improving antiretroviral therapy (ART) access, advanced HIV disease (AHD) still remains a challenge globally. Reasons for delayed presentation to care and ART adherence may be affected by gender. We present qualitative study findings on gender differences in decisions for HIV testing and ART initiation/adherence in adults with AHD in Malawi. Methods We used a qualitative study design, interviewing 16 men and 16 women aged 18 years and above diagnosed with AHD in sites implementing an optimized package of AHD care, from December 2021-February 2022. We included study participants receiving AHD services for at least two months. We also interviewed 16 lay workers and 16 health care workers supporting people living with AHD. In-depths interviews (IDIs) were conducted in English or Chichewa by trained research assistants using semi-structured interview guides. A short-answer analysis was conducted, and findings were interpreted according to thematic areas. Results Both men and women reported stigma as a main barrier influencing their decision to test for HIV and to initiate and adhere to ART. Fear of side effects, insufficient food, and the need for more information were other barriers reported among men and women as well as perceived as barriers by HCWs. Men appear to have tested later for HIV and stated that they were waiting until experiencing significant symptoms before testing. According to clients and HCWs, men were also ... Continued on ES/IODE ➡️ https://etcse.fr/Avs ------- If you find this interesting, feel free to follow, comment and share. We need your help to enhance our visibility, so that our platform continues to serve you.