title: Ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic in low- and middle-income countries by 2030: is it possible?
abstract: The international community has committed to ending the epidemics of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical infections by 2030, and this bold stance deserves universal support. In this paper, we discuss whether this ambitious goal is achievable for HIV/AIDS and what is needed to further accelerate progress. The joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) 90-90-90 targets and the related strategy are built upon currently available health technologies that can diagnose HIV infection and suppress viral replication in all people with HIV. Nonetheless, there is much work to be done in ensuring equitable access to these HIV services for key populations and those who remain outside the rims of the traditional health services. Identifying a cure and a preventive vaccine would further help accelerate progress in ending the epidemic. Other disease control programmes could learn from the response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
authors.affiliation: International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Paris, France; Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
authors.forename: Anthony D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Harries
authors.affiliation: South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (SACEMA), University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
authors.forename: Amitabh B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Suthar
authors.affiliation: International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Paris, France; AIDS and TB Department, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe.
authors.forename: Kudakwashe C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Takarinda
authors.affiliation: International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Paris, France; The Lighthouse Trust, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi.
authors.forename: Hannock
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Tweya
authors.affiliation: International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Paris, France; International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Myanmar Country Office, Mandalay, Myanmar.
authors.forename: Nang Thu Thu
authors.initials: NT
authors.lastname: Kyaw
authors.affiliation: Médecins sans Frontières, Operational Research Unit (LuxOR), Operational Centre Brussels, Luxembourg, Luxembourg.
authors.forename: Katie
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Tayler-Smith
authors.affiliation: Médecins sans Frontières, Operational Research Unit (LuxOR), Operational Centre Brussels, Luxembourg, Luxembourg.
authors.forename: Rony
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Zachariah
keywords: AIDS; HIV; UNAIDS; antiretroviral therapy