WHO: New HIV Cases Decline, but Sexually Transmitted Infections Increase

The latest report from the World Health Organization shows that 32 million people living with HIV worldwide are receiving treatment, while another 9 million have yet to benefit from life-saving therapy. At the same time, viral hepatitis causes approximately 1.3 million deaths every year, and several countries are facing an increase in cases of sexually transmitted infections.

The data show that, compared with 2010, new HIV infections have decreased by 42%, while AIDS-related deaths have fallen by 57%. Meanwhile, since 2015, hepatitis B cases have declined by 32%, and deaths caused by hepatitis C have decreased by 12%.

The WHO warns that these problems threaten the achievement of the global goal of eliminating HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections by 2030. According to the organization, progress is being hampered by reduced funding, inequalities in access to healthcare services and humanitarian emergencies.

Despite the results achieved, the WHO considers the pace of progress insufficient. For this reason, it is calling on countries to strengthen primary healthcare, expand access to testing and treatment, and fund integrated services in order to meet the targets set for 2030.