Health
Over 50% Of New Infections Now Outside Sub-Saharan Africa
In a dramatic shift in the global HIV epidemic, a recent report by the Global HIV Prevention Coalition (GPC) reveals that over 50% of new HIV infections in 2023 occurred outside sub-Saharan Africa. The report estimates that approximately 1.3 million people contracted HIV last year, significantly surpassing the target of fewer than 370,000 new infections set for 2025. While sub-Saharan Africa has made notable progress in controlling the epidemic, the rising number of cases in other regions underscores a need for renewed focus on prevention efforts worldwide.
The GPC report highlights that the increase in infections is particularly severe in countries where key populations— such as men who have sex with men, sex workers, transgender individuals, and people who use drugs—are most affected. These groups, along with their sexual partners, now account for 55% of new HIV infections globally, up from 44% in 2010. This shift calls for targeted prevention strategies and increased investment in services for these vulnerable populations to effectively curb the spread of HIV.
Established in 2017, the GPC is a coalition of United Nations Member States, UNAIDS, donors, civil society, and private sector organizations, focusing on 40 countries to tackle the HIV prevention crisis. Prof. Sheila Tlou, GPC Co-chair and former Health Minister of Botswana, emphasized the need for resilient and equitable HIV prevention interventions. “The HIV epidemic has evolved; now more than ever, we need resilient capacity to deliver and manage integrated, differentiated, and equitable HIV prevention interventions,” Tlou stated, underscoring the importance of adaptable and inclusive approaches.
Progress has been notable in some areas, particularly in eastern and southern Africa. Countries such as Kenya, Malawi, and Zimbabwe have achieved over a 66% reduction in new infections, positioning them to meet the global target of a 90% reduction by 2030. This success is largely attributed to expanded access to effective HIV treatment and a sustained focus on primary prevention, illustrating the impact of continued investment and political commitment.
Despite these successes, significant gaps remain. Angeli Achrekar, UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director for Programmes, highlighted the urgency of the situation, pointing to new long-acting antiretroviral prevention methods like lenacapavir as promising advancements. However, accessibility and affordability of such technologies remain critical issues. Additionally, while pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is crucial in preventing new infections, with about 3.5 million people accessing it in 2023, this still falls short of the 10 million target for 2025.
Mitchell Warren, GPC cochair and Executive Director of AVAC, stressed the need for substantial policy changes to combat HIV effectively. “No matter how good the science or community leadership, HIV will not end unless we have significant policy changes to reverse criminalization and lessen the stigmatization of affected populations. It’s about people, and the people must lead,” Warren stated. The report highlights an urgent need for increased investments in HIV prevention, improved political leadership, and supportive legal and policy environments. With only US$2.4 billion available for primary prevention programs in 2023, far below the USD 9.5 billion needed by 2025, the challenge of addressing HIV will become increasingly complex and costly if current trends continue.
In a bid to reduce the country’s planet-warming emissions, the UK government has announced a £180 million investment in solar panels for hundreds of schools and hospitals across the country.
This move is part of the government’s efforts to achieve its long-term climate goals and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
The investment, which is the first major project from Great British Energy, the government’s new state owned energy company, is expected to provide solar panels for 200 schools and 200 hospitals.
This will not only help reduce energy bills but also cut carbon emissions and promote sustainability.
According to Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, “Great British Energy’s first major project will be to help our vital public institutions save hundreds of millions on bills to reinvest on the frontline.”
He added that the project will help reduce the financial pressure of energy bills on schools and hospitals.
The announcement has been welcomed by schools, unions, and NHS estate managers, who have long been advocating for measures to reduce energy costs.
Paul Whiteman, NAHT general secretary, said that the investment is a “step in the right direction” and will help schools manage energy bills, which have been a significant financial burden in recent years.
However, not everyone is optimistic about the investment.
Andrew Bowie, shadow energy secretary, argued that the government’s net zero plans will make the country “poorer.”
He claimed that the investment will lead to increased reliance on foreign powers like Russia.
In contrast, energy experts believe that investing in renewable energy will reduce the UK’s reliance on imports.
Jess Ralston, energy analyst at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, said that the investment in solar panels will improve energy security and reduce the amount of gas imported from countries like Russia.
The first solar panels are expected to be installed by the end of the summer, with a focus on areas of “highest need.”
The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has suspended health contracts worldwide, leaving critical healthcare programs and assistance in jeopardy.
The decision, part of a review aimed at aligning
foreign aid with the Trump administration’s “America First” policy, has resulted in the termination of more than 90% of global health
programs, including those addressing HIV, malaria, maternal health, and other vital services.
The sudden and widespread cuts have sparked
widespread concern among health experts and organizations, who warn that the move will have devastating consequences for millions of people worldwide.
“The US funding cuts are dismantling the system. HIV treatment is crumbling. TB services are collapsing… Lives are on the line,” said International AIDS Society President Beatriz Grinsztejn, whose organization is not directly affected by the cuts.
In South Africa, several of the largest US-funded HIV/AIDS programs have been informed that their funding will not resume, leaving vulnerable groups, including LGBT+ individuals and sex workers, without access to critical healthcare services.
A major global non-profit working on malaria and maternal and newborn health has also had most of its contracts cancelled.
The US State Department has remained tight-lipped about the criteria used for the terminations, and it remains unclear how many organizations worldwide have been affected.
However, documents reviewed by Reuters confirm that UNAIDS, the UN agency dedicated to tackling HIV and AIDS, has had its contract with USAID cancelled.
The move has sparked widespread criticism, with many arguing that the cuts will undermine global health progress and put millions of lives at risk.
“This is a devastating blow to global health efforts,” said a spokesperson for the Global Health Council. “The US has long been a leader in global health, and these cuts will have far-reaching consequences for some of
the world’s most vulnerable populations.”
CARICOM and the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) have partnered to strengthen biodiversity monitoring and conservation efforts across the Caribbean. This collaboration aims to enhance data collection, support sustainable ecosystem management, and protect the region’s rich biodiversity. By advancing the understanding of ecosystems and species trends, CARICOM and UNEP-WCMC are empowering Caribbean nations to make more informed environmental decisions. The initiative includes training local experts, integrating cutting-edge technologies, and fostering partnerships to promote resilience against climate change and biodiversity loss. This joint effort supports global conservation goals while preserving the Caribbean’s natural heritage for future generations. Join us in celebrating this significant step toward a healthier, more biodiverse Caribbean!
Welcome to the highly anticipated 23rd volume of Diaspora Watch, your indispensable source connecting the vibrant African diaspora around the world! This edition is packed with captivating stories and in-depth analysis.
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Diaspora Diva – Aisha Bowe
Diaspora Watch – Vol. 40
UK Invests £180 Million In Solar Panels For Schools And Hospitals
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