From stigma to support: Ending HIV in Europe by 2030

With a new European Commission, a new European Parliament and several elections across the continent this year, campaigners are working to ensure that the needs and well-being of people living with HIV remain and higher in political health projects.

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HIV is no longer a death sentence, thanks to the development of new and highly effective treatments. But the truth is that, to end this epidemic, HIV still needs political attention.

For example, many people living with HIV are getting older, and this presents new challenges when it comes to treatment and the special care needs of each patient, says Mario Cascio, chairman of the Quality of Life program of the European AIDS Treatment Group, who has been arrested. living with HIV for more than 40 years.

EU institutions and member states must play a role through regulations, policies and by coordinating their efforts.”

Mario Cascio, chair of the Quality of Life program of the European AIDS Treatment Group

He says: “Millions of people living with HIV for many years are at risk of developing health conditions related to aging at a higher rate even when they are younger than the general population. “We need to invest in preventing comorbidities and ensure that our health care systems are adequately equipped with person-centered, integrated care to respond to these emerging needs.”

In addition, he warns that the world should be aware of the growing issue of drug resistance, which can make it very difficult for patients to be treated, an issue highlighted by the World Health Organization. Life in February this year.

The key to meeting these two challenges, Cascio says, will be continued investment in the innovation of anti-HIV treatments and greater political commitment to end the epidemic.

Europe has committed to the UNAIDS goal of ending HIV by 2030 and political power is being built at the European Union level, with many calls to action in recent months. These include a joint letter from several HIV-related organizations and a letter from a cross-party group of Members of the European Parliament addressed to the European Commission, and a statement of protest to EU27 health ministers from several. the last meeting of the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council.

EU policymakers are calling for the adoption of a range of policies, including testing; rapid coordination and maintenance of new methods of care and prevention; people-centred integrated care, which takes into account the needs and well-being of people living with HIV; and measures to reduce stigma and discrimination. The bloc’s commitment to ending HIV was reaffirmed in June this year by EU leaders meeting at the G7 summit in Italy.

Cascio acknowledges that progress has been made but says campaigners must continue to push for more, calling on EU institutions and member states to coordinate their efforts and create European and regional policies. country.

He says: “We need a strong EU action plan to complement and support national efforts for the next five years and beyond.” “We need leadership, innovation, sustainable investment, diversity in service delivery, strong collaboration and community involvement.”

And, he says, the time to act is now.

“We can pave the way to bring dignity to the millions of people living with and living with HIV, and protect society by ending the infection by 2030 once and for all,” he says. we often have an opportunity to end the epidemic. With HIV, we do, and we can do it now.”

Watch our video to hear Mario’s story about the disease and his journey as an HIV activist.

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