Research shows how Gender inequality and harmful gender norms is preventing the end of the AIDS epidemic, with a steady increase in new infections and deaths in many parts of the planet.
Last year, 650,000 people died of AIDS and 1.5 million people contracted HIV, the virus that causes the disease.
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Winnie Byanyima, CEO of UNAIDSwho called for addressing the intertwined inequalities faced by women.
“The only effective path to ending AIDS, achieving the sustainable development goals, and ensuring health, rights and shared prosperity, is the path to feminism,” she said.
“Women’s rights organizations and movements have been at the forefront of doing this bold work. Leaders need to support them and learn from them.”
‘Dangerous inequality’ affects women
In areas with a high HIV burden, women who have experienced intimate partner violence face up to a 50 percent higher risk of contracting the virus, the Commission reports. Dangerous inequality report.
Between 2015 and 2021, only 41% of married women aged 15-24 in 33 countries were able to make their own decisions about their sexual health.
The impact of gender inequality on women’s HIV risk is particularly pronounced in sub-Saharan Africa, where women account for 63% of new HIV infections in 2021.
Furthermore, adolescent girls and young women aged 15 to 24 in the region three times the possibility more HIV-infected than their male counterparts.
Investing in education can protect women and girls from HIV (file photo).
A question of power
UNAIDS says the driving factor is power, citing a study that found girls’ vulnerability to HIV is reduced by up to 50% if they are allowed to stay in school and complete secondary education. .
“When this is underpinned by an empowerment package, girls’ risks are further reduced,” the agency said.
“Leaders need to ensure that all girls go to school, are protected from the often-normalized violence including underage marriage and have economic pathways. guarantee them a future full of hope.”
Meanwhile, “harmful masculinity” is discourage men from seeking care. Only 70% of men with HIV will have access to treatment by 2021, compared with 80% of women.
“Strengthening transsexual programming in many parts of the world is key to stopping the pandemic,” the report said.
Young life at risk
Inequalities in access to treatment between adults and children are also hindering the response to AIDS but Closing the gap will save lives.
Although more than three-quarters of adults with HIV are on antiretroviral therapy, just over half of children are receiving lifesaving medication.
Last year, children accounted for only 4% of people living with HIV, but 15% of all AIDS-related deaths.
UNAIDS adds that discrimination, stigmatization and criminalization of important populations are also costing their lives.
The new analysis shows no significant decline in the number of new infections among gay men and other men who have sex with men, both in western and central Africa. as well as in the eastern and southern regions of the continent.
“Faced with a contagious virus, making no progress on key populations weaken the whole AIDS response and help explain the slow progress,” the agency warned.
Progress is possible
The report also reveals that progress against inequality is possible.
For example, although surveys often emphasize lower service coverage for key populations, three counties in Kenya have achieved high levels of HIV treatment coverage among female sex workers. than women in general.
Byanyima said countries know what to do to end inequality.
She lists actions including make sure all girls go to school, Addressing gender-based violenceand support women’s organizations.
“Promotes healthy masculinity—to replace harmful behaviors that exacerbate people’s risks. Make sure services for children living with HIV reach them and meet their needs, and close the treatment gap so we can end childhood AIDS for good,” she continued.
“Decriminalize homosexuals, sex workers, and drug users, and invest in community-led services to help them integrate — this will help break down barriers.” barriers to services and care for millions.”
Equalize benefits for everyone
The report goes on to show that donor funding is helping spur governments to increase funding. However, new investments to tackle inequality are urgently needed, especially at a time when many richer countries are cutting aid to global health.
Increased support is critical to getting the AIDS response back on track.
“What world leaders need to do is very clear,” Ms. Byanyima said. “In one word: balance. Equal access to rights, equal access to services, equal access to science and best medicine. Equalization will not only help the disadvantaged. It will help everyone.”
