The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has warned that in spite of progress against HIV, the world was off track to meet its target of fewer than 370,000 new HIV cases by 2025.

UNFPA executive director, Dr Natalia Kanem, said this in a statement on Sunday on the occasion of the 2024 World AIDS Day.

The day has “Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right” as the theme.

Ms Kanem emphasised that human rights were crucial in the fight against HIV and AIDS.

According to her, the path to a world free of AIDS begins and ends with human rights, including the right to accurate and unbiased knowledge, dignity, respect, and safety.

Ms Kanem noted that fulfilling these fundamental rights had led to remarkable progress against HIV and AIDS, with new HIV infections falling by 39 per cent from 2.1 million in 2010 to 1.3 million in 2023.

However, Mr Kanem highlighted that many factors contributed to the world’s failure to meet its HIV target.

“At least half of people with a higher risk of infection still lack access to prevention services, which breaches their right to the highest standard of health.

“Marginalised groups, including sex workers, transgender people, and men who have sex with men, are disproportionately affected.”

The UN chief emphasised that women and girls were twice as likely to acquire HIV and other sexually transmitted infections as men and boys.

“HIV risks soar where women remain marginalised by poverty and terrorised by Gender-Based Violence (GBV).”

Ms Kanem stressed that a human rights-guided approach was essential to reaching everyone living with, at risk of contracting, or affected by HIV.

She added that it was time to work more closely with men to address their reluctance to seek healthcare, a significant barrier to comprehensive HIV prevention and treatment efforts.

“The UNFPA works with governments worldwide to integrate HIV prevention, testing, and treatment services into routine sexual and reproductive health care, particularly for adolescents, women, and key populations.”

World AIDS Day is commemorated on December 1 every year to show support for people living with HIV and remember those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses.

(NAN)