The aim of achieving the ambitious global 90–90–90 treatment targets received a boost as the Government of Luxembourg and UNAIDS hosted at high-level debate on the issue in the Belgian capital, Brussels.
Taking place on 3 June, the debate formed part of the 2015 European Development Days, a flagship two-day European Commission event that brought together more than 5000 participants from 140 countries and 1200 organizations to explore key development concerns facing the continent.
During the HIV-related session participants examined how to build broad-based global support for the 90–90–90 agenda and identify best practices to successfully implement the targets. To achieve the 90–90–90 targets would be to ensure that, by 2020, 90% of people living with HIV know their HIV status, 90% of people living with HIV have access to antiretroviral therapy and 90% on treatment have viral suppression.
UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé told the gathering that significant progress has already been made. He noted, however, that the ultimate goal of ending the epidemic as a public health threat by 2030 cannot be achieved without new resources and investments, especially over the next five years. He stressed the catalytic and transformational role that 90–90–90 can play in the post-2015 era and towards the sustainable development goals.
It was agreed that HIV remains a global challenge, touching all continents, including Europe, where significant HIV transmission persists, and that it was necessary for every country and every region to play a key role in a renewed, multi-layered HIV response.
Michel Sidibé was joined by, among others, Luxembourg’s Minister for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs Romain Schneider, Bounkong Sihavong, Vice-Minister of Health for the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Daouda Diouf, Director of the international nongovernmental organization Enda Santé, and Marc Angel, Chairman of the Foreign and European Affairs and Development Cooperation Commission, Luxembourg Parliament.
“Our upcoming challenge in the AIDS response is looking at the bigger picture, from human rights to education, to shine a light on people who have been put to the side. Let us also think not just about fragile states, but fragile communities from Baltimore to Bamako.”
Michel Sidibé, UNAIDS Executive Director
“90–90–90 is much more than just a treatment target, it is about bringing hope and help to people, including those most disenfranchised, to live healthy lives and creating a better future. That is why we are proud champions of this initiative.”
Marc Angel, Chairman of the Foreign and European Affairs and Development Cooperation Commission, Luxembourg Parliament
