Kenya hosts UNAIDS meeting as AHF calls for global audit of HIV data

UGANDA—Following the 55th Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) Programme Coordinating Board (PCB) meeting in Nairobi, Kenya, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) has renewed its call for a comprehensive global audit of HIV data.

The meeting, held from December 10th to 12th, 2024, was significant, marking the first time in 18 years that it took place in Africa. The last such event was hosted in Lusaka, Zambia, in 2006.

The meeting brought together key global stakeholders, including Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Health, Dr. Deborah Barasa, and Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Mr. Harry Kimtai, who chaired the session.

Representatives from UNAIDS, civil society, and development partners were also present, all committed to finding impactful solutions to address the ongoing HIV epidemic.

The urgency of this issue has been heightened by UNAIDS’ latest report on the progress of epidemic control, which reveals that six African countries, including Kenya, have met key targets for HIV testing and treatment.

Kenya has achieved 95-95-90—meaning 95% of people know their HIV status, 95% are on treatment, and 90% have achieved viral suppression.

Additionally, 97% of people with HIV in Kenya know their status. However, the country still faces challenges.

In 2023, Kenya reported over 17,000 new HIV infections and more than 21,000 AIDS-related deaths, highlighting persistent issues like treatment retention.

Kenya’s government has also faced criticism over nationwide stockouts of antiretroviral (ARV) medications in 2021, which left many patients without access to life-saving treatment.

A 2024 study on pediatric ART availability revealed frequent stockouts and limited access to second and third-line treatments for children.

Dr. Penninah Iutung, AHF Africa Bureau Chief, expressed concern that the UNAIDS data on treatment and viral suppression do not fully account for patients who drop out of care.

She emphasized that a stronger focus on patient retention is crucial for effectively controlling the epidemic.

These concerns align with findings from the British Medical Journal (BMJ Open), which pointed out the limitations of current UNAIDS data in reflecting real-world HIV treatment retention.

Earlier this year, AHF President Michael Weinstein called for an audit of at least 10% of patient charts worldwide to ensure more accurate reporting.

 AHF, which provides care to over 2 million clients globally, offered its support for the initiative, highlighting its experience in auditing patient data.

The need for accurate data is highlighted by the alarming statistics from 2023: 1.3 million people acquired HIV, and 630,000 died from AIDS-related illnesses.

Weinstein warned that inflating progress could lead to a false sense of victory, diminishing political will and global momentum in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

The conclusion of the 55th PCB meeting serves as a crucial moment to prioritize data accuracy and retention efforts.

Robust data systems that capture the experiences of all populations, especially marginalized groups, are vital for an equitable HIV response.

Dr. Iutung said, “Data accuracy is not just a metric; it’s a lifeline.” To make real progress, governments, healthcare providers, and development partners must invest in systems that bridge the gap between reported success and lived realities, ensuring no one is left behind.

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the largest global AIDS organization, currently provides medical care and services to more than 2.2 million clients in 48 countries across the US, Africa, Latin America/Caribbean, the Asia/Pacific region, and Europe.

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