Concerns raised over impact of COVID-19 on HIV treatment access

If you’re covering new modelling from the World Health Organization (here), showing the impact COVID-19 may have on access to HIV treatment and subsequent AIDS-related deaths in sub-Saharan Africa, you may find the following comment from Frontline AIDS helpful.

Christine Stegling, Executive Director at Frontline AIDS said:

“For the millions living with HIV worldwide, having sustained access to treatment is life and death. In 2018, almost half a million people with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa died through lack of treatment. Even a six-month disruption related to COVID-19 could see that figure double within the next year. It could also lead to a spike in drug resistance. If the supply chain falters, or if donors and governments start shifting resources from HIV to COVID-19, we are looking at disaster.

“Many of our partners have already transformed the way they are providing services to ensure people living with HIV can continue to access treatments. However, a robust supply chain and continued funding is vital to ensure they have the commodities they need to keep those services running.”

Frontline AIDS is the world’s largest civil society partnership of organisations and individuals working on HIV and AIDS. For further information, or to arrange an interview, please contact Will Harris on 07976 622965 or email media@frontlineaids.org.