HIV remains a prevalent infectious disease, posing a significant worldwide health challenge.
Certain populations within society are more affected than others. For example, sex workers, men who have sex with men, transgender people, people who inject drugs, and prisoners have a heightened risk of acquiring HIV. Stigma and discrimination, including in healthcare settings, increase the risk of HIV and further progression to AIDS and reduce access to innovation, education, employment, and justice.
The Sustainable Development Goals aim to eliminate the AIDS epidemic by 2030, but progress in HIV research is slowing down globally, including in Europe. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted healthcare services, affecting HIV testing, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention efforts. Uneven commitment and reduced investments detrimentally affect the fight against the epidemic.
This EPC Project explores the challenges and policy responses required at the EU level to tackle HIV and ensure quality of life, healthy ageing, and innovation in long-term treatment. Ahead of the 2024 European elections, this research will formulate policy recommendations for EU policymakers and foster debate on HIV at the European level.