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Disruption of antiretroviral therapy could delay AIDS-related deaths until 2008, according to WHO
More than half a million people in sub-Saharan Africa could die from AIDS-related diseases between now and next year amid the Covid-19 pandemic, unless governments act to address the problem.
A model analysis by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNAids shows that the impact of a six-month discontinuation of antiretroviral therapy could effectively set the clock back for AIDS-related deaths until 2008, when more were observed. 950,000 deaths in the region
“The terrible possibility that half a million more people in Africa will die of AIDS-related diseases is like going back in history,” says Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.
UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima warned that treatment could be interrupted, with HIV services closed or unable to deliver antiretroviral therapy due to a supply chain collapse.
“It could even be because services are simply overwhelmed due to competitive needs to support Covid-19’s response.
“There is a risk that the hard-earned gains from the AIDS response will be sacrificed in the fight against Covid-19, but the right to health means that no one disease must be fought at the expense of the other,” Byanyima said.
The WHO director-general said countries must ensure that people diagnosed with HIV adhere to treatment and that testing services are not affected.
Some countries are already taking important steps, for example, ensuring that people can collect bulk treatment packages and other essential products, including self-assessment kits, from delivery points, easing pressure on health services and the health workforce.
“It will be important for countries to prioritize underpinning supply chains and ensuring that people already on treatment can continue treatment,” added Dr. Tedros.
