Negative reactions to human rights are preventing the goal of ending the HIV-AIDS epidemic from being achieved.
The United Nations still hopes that AIDS can be eradicated by 2030. But the UN’s head of AIDS programs says that goal is being undermined by a global backlash against targeted groups, especially LGBTQ+ people. “This backlash – against human rights, against democracy, against gender equality – has put our work at risk,” Winnie Byanyima, executive director of UNAIDS, told Reuters. She was quoted as saying by the PLUS.
Byanyima said countries that criminalize gay and bisexual men, sex workers and drug users tend to see HIV infection rates spike or stagnate. It also blamed persistent stigma, discrimination and lack of sex education for the disappointing numbers.
The UN goal of ending AIDS this decade is still possible, but “that is not the same as saying it will be achieved.” Byanyima noted progress in Africa but said other regions are lagging behind, particularly Eastern Europe. Countries like Poland, Hungary and Russia are ruled by leaders who often demonize and criminalize sexual minorities. Meanwhile, countries like Italy and Argentina have recently elected conservative leaders who often stigmatize people at risk of HIV infection.
Byanyima draws a direct link between these actions by world leaders and the persistence of HIV infection. The solution, according to the UNAIDS executive director, is for all countries to support and fund local community-based organizations that provide resources for HIV, including treatment and prevention services.