The Reducing Barriers to Successful HIV Care Forum 2022 took place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on 26 March 2022.
As shown by the significant and increasing reports of cities and countries achieving the 90-90-90 targets and beyond, HIV is now a treatable infection. In the past few years, there have been advances not only in the efficacy of medication but, equally importantly, in their toxicity profile and ease of administration. This has led to greater adherence overall, resulting in positive long-term results.
However, large groups of individuals either remain undiagnosed or are diagnosed but do not seek care. Indeed, undiagnosed individuals form the most significant gap in our 90-90-90 targets. For further improvements in our cascades of care, these groups must be targeted.
But why does this happen?
Undoubtedly, this issue has much to do with fear. The fear of testing, receiving a positive diagnosis, attending an HIV centre, and the subsequent discrimination that either does or is perceived to occur.
Such fears result in unnecessary morbidity and mortality, mainly due to late diagnosis, along with an increased risk of transmission within the population.
Change is coming!
We are, however, striving to make a change, and there are success stories!
Come and hear how you can challenge and be part of the solution to stigma and discrimination. Listen to stories of both success and failure from our experienced faculty.
The triumph of HIV treatment can only truly begin when we can succeed in improving testing and linkage to care. We are all beholden to take part in this challenge.
