Reimagining the HIV Response: Key Takeaways from Day 1 of the PLHIV Leadership Summit

The PLHIV Leadership Summit, currently underway in Nairobi, Kenya, is a pivotal moment in the global fight against HIV/AIDS. As we approach the 2030 deadline to end AIDS as a public health threat, the summit brings together leaders from PLHIV networks worldwide to strategize and innovate sustainable solutions. Day 1 of the summit highlighted critical themes and calls to action that will shape the future of the HIV response.

The Current Landscape of HIV/AIDS

The HIV/AIDS epidemic has seen significant progress, yet substantial challenges remain. Globally, 40 million people are living with HIV, with 9 million still lacking access to life-saving treatment. In 2023 alone, 630,000 people died from AIDS-related illnesses, underscoring the urgency to address persistent gaps.

Challenges:

• Funding Shifts: Political decisions and reallocation of resources threaten the sustainability of HIV programs.

• Stigma and Discrimination: Persistent stigma hampers access to testing and treatment, particularly among key populations.

• Left Behind Populations: Marginalized groups, including women, children, and key populations, continue to face barriers to care.

Opportunities:

• Global AIDS Strategy 2026-2031: A chance to redefine our approach and ensure PLHIV voices are central.

• UN High-Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS 2026: A platform to advocate for renewed commitments and resources.

Key Themes from Day 1

1. Integration into Primary Healthcare

   Integrating HIV services into primary healthcare is crucial for sustainability and accessibility. This model ensures that HIV care is not siloed but part of comprehensive health services, reducing stigma and improving outcomes.

   Strategies:

   • Strengthening primary healthcare systems to include HIV testing, treatment, and prevention.

   • Leveraging community health workers to bridge gaps in service delivery.

2. Community-Led Responses

   PLHIV networks are at the forefront of the HIV response, driving advocacy, and ensuring that interventions are tailored to community needs. Their leadership is vital in achieving epidemic control.

   Success Stories:

   • Community-led initiatives have successfully increased access to treatment and reduced new infections in various regions.

   • Advocacy efforts have led to policy changes that prioritize the needs of PLHIV.

3. Reaching the Left Behind

   Identifying and addressing the needs of marginalized populations is essential for an inclusive HIV response. Women, children, and key populations often face unique barriers that require targeted interventions.

   Inclusive Strategies:

   • Developing gender-responsive programs that address the specific needs of women and girls.

   • Implementing child-friendly services to ensure that children are not left behind in the HIV response.

4. Sustainable Financing

   Strengthening domestic financing for HIV programs is critical to ensuring long-term sustainability. Innovative funding models and partnerships can help bridge funding gaps and reduce dependency on external aid.

   Funding Models:

   • Social contracting models that engage civil society in service delivery.

   • Public-private partnerships to leverage resources and expertise.

Stakeholder Engagement

Day 1 of the summit highlighted the importance of collaboration and partnerships in driving the HIV response forward. Key stakeholders, including governments, international organizations, and civil society, play crucial roles in shaping the future of HIV programs.

Government Role:

• The Kenyan Ministry of Health showcased its commitment to integrating HIV services into primary healthcare and strengthening domestic financing.

• Governments must create enabling environments that support community-led responses and prioritize the needs of PLHIV.

International Partners:

• UNAIDS, UNICEF, and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized their support for PLHIV networks and the importance of inclusive advocacy.

• Collaboration with international partners can amplify the voices of PLHIV and drive global policy changes.

Future Strategies and Call to Action

The development of the new Global AIDS Strategy presents an opportunity to reimagine the HIV response. PLHIV must be at the forefront of this process, advocating for their needs and driving policy changes.

Advocacy and Leadership:

• PLHIV leaders must claim their seat at the decision-making table and ensure that their voices are heard in global and national policy discussions.

• Advocacy efforts should focus on securing resources, reducing stigma, and promoting human rights.

Innovation and Technology:

• Leveraging technology and data can improve HIV response efforts by enhancing service delivery, tracking progress, and informing policy decisions.

• Innovative approaches, such as telemedicine and digital health tools, can increase access to care and improve outcomes.

Conclusion

Day 1 of the PLHIV Leadership Summit served as a powerful reminder of the collective effort required to end AIDS as a public health threat. By integrating HIV services into primary healthcare, strengthening community-led responses, and ensuring sustainable financing, we can achieve our 2030 goals. The summit's call to action is clear: we must collaborate, innovate, and advocate for a future where all people living with HIV can access the care and support they need to thrive.