1,300 PEOPLE DIE OF AIDS EVERY DAY IN AFRICA.

As we celebrate World’s AIDS Day, the World Health Organisation, WHO, has disclosed that a total of 460,000 people were killed by AIDS.

The world health body also noted that two out of every three new HIV infections occurred in the African Region, corresponding to almost 2,500 new HIV infections every day.

This means that a shocking 1,300 people died every day in Africa despite free access to effective treatment in the region.

WHO, however, noted that despite the challenges, Africa has made significant progress against HIV in the past decade, reducing new infections by 43 per cent and nearly halving AIDS-related deaths?

Disclosing these in a message to mark the 2021 World AIDS Day with the theme: “End inequalities: End AIDS. End pandemic”, was WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti.

Moeti said: “In the region, 86 per cent of people living with HIV know their status, and 76 per cent are receiving antiretroviral therapy.

“We also salute Botswana, which is on the home stretch to eliminating mother-to-child HIV transmission in what is a truly remarkable public health success.

“Only 16 countries have been certified for eliminating mother-to-child HIV transmission, none of which had as large an epidemic.

“It’s taken more than two decades of hard work by leaders, health workers and communities, illustrating what is possible when the health and welfare of mothers and children are prioritised.