Global HIV efforts need to focus on key populations in LMICs

Abstract

COVID-19 deaths had exceeded 5 million globally on Nov 22, 2021.1 As the world struggles to contain COVID-19, the HIV pandemic of more than 37 million people living with HIV (PLHIV) continues.2 Like their counterparts in high-income countries, most PLHIV in low-income and middle-income (LMICs) braced for lockdowns that reduced their access to HIV care and services3 and the possibility that resources for HIV could be redirected towards combating COVID-19. As we pause to commemorate World AIDS Day on Dec 1, 2021, it is important to call for continued political and financial commitment and renewed support for initiatives that strive towards ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic through equitable access to prevention and treatment and inclusivity in the HIV/AIDS response.