19 April 202119 April 2021The HIV epidemic in the Middle East and North Africa is still growing—an estimated 20 000 new HIVThe HIV epidemic in the Middle East and North Africa is still growing—an estimated 20 000 new HIV infections in 2019 marked a 25% increase over the 16 000 new infections in 2010. The region is far from controlling its HIV epidemic and HIV treatment coverage is low, with only 38% of people living with HIV accessing HIV treatment in 2019, resulting in 8000 people dying from AIDS-related illnesses in the region. In response, community leaders living with HIV have come together to launch the first regional network of people living with HIV, MENA Plus, to strengthen the community HIV response in the region. Through enhancing the leadership, representation and effective participation of people living with HIV, especially in decision-making around health and social and financial programmes, MENA Plus aims to empower people living with HIV in the region. “MENA plus is a welcome addition to our UNAIDS team of partners across the Middle East and North Africa.

Source: The North Africa Journal April 19, 2021 09:00 UTC