During the 2022–2023 biennium, significant progress was made in enhancing access to HIV prevention, testing and treatment services in the eastern and southern Africa region. The 95–95–95 targets have been achieved in five countries and 10 other countries are close to matching that accomplishment. Five countries have achieved the global target of reducing the rate of vertical transmission of HIV below 5%, while many others have endorsed prioritized plans to achieve the elimination of vertical transmission targets as part of the Global Alliance to end AIDS in children.
Eastern and Southern Africa
The Joint Programme’s support has played a pivotal role in expanding services and ensuring better access for all. Notably, efforts have been focused on strengthening national coordination and capacity, programme monitoring and evidence generation, with a particular emphasis on sexual and reproductive health and comprehensive sexuality education for young people and harm reduction strategies for vulnerable and key populations. Expansion of community-led HIV service delivery and programme monitoring also contributed to more equitable access to services. Efforts to enhance humanitarian preparedness and response have resulted in increased access to sexual and reproductive health services, as well as HIV prevention, testing and treatment services for migrants, refugees and asylum seekers.