Colombia faces challenges in meeting HIV epidemic control targets

In Colombia, 211,431 people are living with an HIV diagnosis. While scientific advancements have transformed the virus from a death sentence into a manageable condition, significant challenges remain in meeting international epidemic control goals.

Currently, 81.01% of those diagnosed in Colombia receive antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 89.4% have achieved viral suppression. These figures highlight the gap in reaching the UNAIDS ‘95-95-95’ targets set for 2030. These global objectives aim for 95% of people living with HIV to know their status, 95% of those diagnosed to receive treatment, and 95% of those on treatment to achieve viral suppression.

Experts emphasize that closing these gaps requires more than medical progress; it necessitates timely diagnosis, continuous care, and the dismantling of social stigma and misinformation. Dr. Andrés Cuestas, medical manager for HIV at GSK Colombia, noted that overcoming prejudice is essential to encourage more individuals to seek testing and access necessary healthcare services.