There has been a decline in HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infections and HIV-related deaths worldwide. According to a study, HIV infections have decreased by 22% and HIV-related deaths by 40%.

There has been a significant decline in HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infections and HIV-related deaths worldwide. According to a study published in the Lancet HIV journal, HIV infections have decreased by 22% and HIV-related deaths by 40%. The figures reflect the progress made in the fight against HIV globally, but also warn that the goal of ending HIV by 2030 looks difficult to achieve based on current trends.

The study reported that only three-quarters of the 40 million HIV-infected people are currently on treatment. However, global progress has been driven by the decline in HIV infection rates in sub-Saharan Africa, where the risk of infection has reduced by 60% since 1995. HIV infections are increasing in Central Europe, Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

The number of people living with HIV is projected to reach a peak of 44.4 million by 2039 and further to 434 million in 2050, according to a study that was conducted in 204 countries and territories spanning 1990 to 2021. However, at least 1 million people are still getting infected with HIV every year.

The authors of the study recommend local and global efforts

to strengthen HIV-related health programs. These include the expansion of the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and other preventive services.

Emphasizing the UN's plan to end the HIV epidemic by 2030, the study calls for new strategic efforts to reduce HIV incidence and mortality. The study provides for the first time global estimates of parameters such as "lifetime probability" and "unsuppressed viral load" of HIV infection. Experts believe that this epidemic can be tackled only by speeding up prevention and treatment programs.