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AIDS treatment

HIV No Longer a Death Sentence, But Political Action Needed to End the Epidemic

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As groundbreaking therapies continue to provide highly effective treatment options for individuals living with HIV, concerns persist about the growing number of people aging with the disease. This presents new challenges in addressing the unique care needs of aging patients, according to Mario Cascio, Quality of Life program chair of the European AIDS Treatment Group. Cascio, who has been living with HIV for over 40 years, emphasizes that the international community must prioritize prevention of comorbidities, make healthcare systems more responsive to emerging needs, and invest in innovation in anti-HIV treatments.

Key Takeaways:

  • The European AIDS Treatment Group is urging EU institutions and member states to take a more active role in addressing the challenges of aging with HIV.
  • Aging individuals with HIV are at a higher risk of developing age-related health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, at a younger age than the general population.
  • Approximately millions of people living with HIV for years are at risk of developing age-related comorbidities, highlighting the need for integrated, person-centered care.
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the growing concern of medication resistance, which poses a significant challenge in treating HIV patients.
  • Investment in innovation in HIV treatments is crucial to meeting the challenges of aging with HIV and reducing the risk of medication resistance.
  • EU policymakers are calling for the adoption of a range of policies, including rapid linkage and retention to innovative care options, people-centered integrated care, and measures to reduce stigma and discrimination.
  • The European Union's commitment to ending HIV by 2030, as outlined in the UNAIDS goal, requires sustained investment, priority, and innovative service-delivery models.
  • Campaigners, including the European AIDS Treatment Group, are pushing for an ambitious EU action plan to support national efforts and complement existing initiatives.

Statistics:

  • More than 40 years have been living with HIV for Mario Cascio, Quality of Life program chair of the European AIDS Treatment Group.
  • Millions of people living with HIV for years are at risk of developing age-related comorbidities.
  • According to the World Health Organization, medication resistance is a growing concern in treating HIV patients.
  • The European Union has reaffirmed its commitment to ending HIV by 2030, as outlined in the UNAIDS goal.

Sources:

  • European AIDS Treatment Group press release.
  • World Health Organization: COVID-19 Response.
  • Joint letter from HIV-related organizations.
  • Letter from Members of the European Parliament addressed to the European Commission.
  • Call-to-action statement from EU27 health ministers.

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