Universal Health Coverage Day: Addressing HIV in a global context

December 12 is a symbolic date for Universal Health Coverage Day. The day aims to draw attention to the need for equitable access to health services for all, including those facing HIV. Today and always, VirusOff calls on leaders to invest in universal health coverage to:

• Lift people out of poverty;
• Protect against public health crises;
• Advance the sustainable development goals;
• Ensure the fundamental right to health for everyone.

In recent years, the global community has made significant strides in the fight against HIV. However, the statistics remain alarming. According to reports by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNAIDS, in 2022, the number of new HIV cases is more than 1.5 million and the number of AIDS-related deaths has reached more than 680,000.

Progress and challenges vary from country to country. For example, countries in South Africa and West Africa remain the epicenters of the HIV pandemic. However, some countries, such as Botswana and Eswatini, are making positive progress by increasing access to antiretroviral drugs. In Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand and Vietnam, the introduction of prevention measures and education programs is reducing HIV incidence. In Europe and North America, despite access to modern treatments, social stigma and discrimination are still a challenge, preventing full coverage.

The Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA) region has a challenging situation with the spread of HIV/AIDS. Russia and Ukraine are still facing the challenges of increasing numbers of new infections. However, countries such as Belarus, Lithuania, and Estonia are implementing successful HIV programs, resulting in lower rates. Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan face diverse challenges – HIV/AIDS awareness is still insufficient, making it difficult to combat the spread of the virus. Lack of funding and social stigma are also significant barriers in the EECA region. However, states are actively working to strengthen the healthcare system and ensure access to antiretroviral therapy. Civil society plays a special role in this process – NGOs in the region are actively working to support people living with HIV to combat stigma and discrimination and play a key role in ensuring universal coverage. Initiatives focused on education and counseling have an important impact on creating a positive environment for those facing HIV/AIDS. They also provide support for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Technological innovation and strengthened regional cooperation can play an important role in improving the situation. Sharing experiences and best practices among countries in the region will enable more effective HIV responses and universal health coverage. Innovative approaches such as telemedicine, mobile health monitoring applications, and increased testing in community settings can play an important role in increasing health coverage.

Universal Health Coverage Day calls on the global community to work together, including in the fight against HIV/AIDS. World organizations, governments, and civil society must continue to work to ensure access to quality health care for all, regardless of health status and social status. Only by working together can we overcome challenges and achieve universal health coverage.

Yuliia Holub