GNV News 2025 year 4 month 9 day
On March 28, 2025, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) released a report on the status of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in the Middle East and North Africa. According to the report, the number of new HIV infections in the region in 2023 is estimated at 23,000, more than double the number of new infections in 2010. Egypt, in particular, has seen a sharp increase—more than sixfold. By contrast, globally the number of HIV infections is on a downward trend, with new infections falling by 39% over the same period.
The surge in infections is thought to be driven by weak political will for HIV/AIDS responses and inadequate funding, compounded by conflicts in the region and the vast number of displaced people, which leave little capacity to devote to HIV measures. As for funding, of the HIV response funds mobilized worldwide in 2023, the Middle East and North Africa received just 1%; this amounted to 15% of the funding needed to implement effective measures in the region only. Prejudice and discrimination against sex workers and sexual minorities—who face a higher risk of HIV infection—as well as repressive laws, also prevent these populations from accessing appropriate prevention and healthcare. And considering that discrimination prevents some people living with HIV from reporting symptoms, the actual number of infections may be higher than estimates.
If responses do not advance, it is estimated that by 2030 the annual number of new infections in the region will rise to 74,000. To prevent this, immediate action, solidarity across the region, and cooperation from outside the region are needed .
Learn more about HIV/AIDS in Africa → “The evolution of HIV/AIDS responses in Africa”
Learn more about displaced people and sanitation issues → “Refugees: the current situation and widening disparities”
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