MSF : rapid tests at local clinics desperately needed to prevent aids deaths

A 15-country snapshot report on progress in the fight against advanced HIV

Friday, November 29, 2019 — Hundreds of thousands of people die of HIV/AIDS every year. A report published by MSF on World Aids Day shows that people with advanced HIV infection still cannot be diagnosed and treated in time in many countries. Although World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for the treatment of these patients have been in place since 2017, they are not yet fully in place. However, many governments have not yet implemented them in national treatment programmes.

"Previously, the very sick patients who came to us did not know they were HIV positive," says Gilles Van Cutsem, HIV expert at MSF. "Today we see more and more people who have already been treated, but who have not taken their medication and have become seriously ill, or who are no longer being treated. The world will not reach its target of less than 500,000 AIDS deaths by 2020 unless we act decisively on adherence to treatment, treatment disruptions and high mortality."

Attached you will find the press release and the full report in English.

Please note that the report is under embargo until December 1st. However, interviews can be arranged in advance.

 

Contact us
Lukas Nef Communications Officer, Médecins Sans Frontières/Ärzte ohne Grenzen (MSF)
Djann Jutzeler Communications Officer, Médecins Sans Frontières
Lukas Nef Communications Officer, Médecins Sans Frontières/Ärzte ohne Grenzen (MSF)
Djann Jutzeler Communications Officer, Médecins Sans Frontières
About MSF Switzerland

MSF Switzerland
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is a worldwide movement of current and former field staff, grouped into national and regional associations. Collectively, they make sure that MSF stays true to its mission and principles.

MSF associations

Currently, there are 24 associations. All are independent legal entities, and each elects its own board of directors and president. Most associations have an executive office that raises funds and recruits staff for MSF’s operations.

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