Care and Treatment
UNAIDS defines the elimination of HIV as a public health problem when there is a 90% reduction in both new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths compared to 2010 levels.
To eliminate HIV as a public health problem, PAHO/WHO promotes an integrated approach to health service delivery centered on strong primary health care for diagnosis and prevention, multisectoral action to address social determinants, stigma, and discrimination, the empowerment of individuals and communities, and a commitment to high-quality care.
This requires earlier and broader access to diagnostic services and expanded coverage of biomedical prevention strategies for individuals at significant risk of HIV exposure.
At the same time, reducing HIV-related illness and death requires the immediate initiation of antiretroviral therapy for all individuals diagnosed with HIV, as well as detection and management of advanced HIV disease.
Antiretroviral Therapy
HIV treatment has advanced significantly in recent years. The World Health Organization recommends dolutegravir-based regimens as the preferred option for antiretroviral therapy due to their high efficacy in achieving viral suppression, good tolerability, simplicity, and convenience. Expanding the use of dolutegravir-based ART strengthens treatment durability, reduces the risk of drug resistance, lowers morbidity and mortality, and enhances overall quality of life.
PAHO supports Member States in strengthening their forecasting systems and supply chain management for antiretroviral medicines. Through the Regional Revolving Funds, countries can access essential medicines, vaccines, and public health supplies at affordable prices, in a timely and transparent manner. Information on available antiretroviral drug prices can be found on the PAHO Strategic Fund website.
Undetectable = Untransmittable
A person living with HIV who is on treatment and maintains an undetectable viral load can lead a healthy and active life. Multiple studies have confirmed that individuals with an undetectable viral load do not transmit HIV to others, a concept known as “Undetectable equal Untransmittable".
Treatment Guidelines
WHO regularly reviews the latest evidence and publishes the Consolidated Guidelines on the Use of Antiretroviral Drugs for Treating and Preventing HIV Infection. These guidelines provide recommendations on the diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, the use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for treatment and prevention, the clinical management of people living with HIV, and strategies to improve adherence and monitoring.
Thanks to progress in antiretroviral therapy, life expectancy among people living with HIV is now comparable to that of the general population. HIV programs are now increasingly focused on long-term retention in care and improving quality of life.
As populations age, the risk of chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and other comorbidities increases. PAHO/WHO therefore recommends integrating noncommunicable diseases care into HIV service delivery.
