HIV epidemic escalates in Middle East and North Africa
A new report warns of an “escalating HIV epidemic” in the Middle East and North Africa, where new infections are rising rapidly in a backdrop of forced displacement and ongoing conflicts, Middle East Eye reported on April 2nd.
Global organisation Frontline AIDS looked into HIV prevention and response methods in its Prevention and Accountability Report for the MENA region. The report found that cases in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, and Tunisia have increased by 116% since 2010. All the while, new infections have globally dropped by 39% in the same timeframe. In Egypt, cases have risen by 609% since 2010.
Instability has been an issue in the regions of the Middle East and North Africa. Conflicts, humanitarian crises, and forced displacement weaken governance, harm public infrastructure and get in the way of public healthcare services.
Marginalised groups such as gay people, transgender people, sex workers, people who inject drugs and prisoners, face a higher risk of infection. Social stigma and strict laws prevent them from getting HIV prevention and treatment services.
UNICEF reported that in 2022, just 67% of people aged 15 and older with HIV knew their diagnosis. Just 50% received treatment, and only 45% could cut their viral loads to safe levels. People aged 15 to 24 accounted for nearly 20% of new cases.
Furthermore, funding shortages have worsened the crisis. In 2023, the MENA region got 1% of global HIV funding and operated with only 15% of the funding needed for an effective response to HIV. The 85% lack of funding, economic insecurity, and rising inflation have massively hindered efforts to combat the disease.
Golda Eid, who is the programmes lead of Frontline AIDS, said that with no immediate action and investment, the epidemic could accelerate “at an unprecedented” level.
Middle East Eye
