Human immunodeficiency virus funding and access to treatment in sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment prevents illness, death, and transmission. The 90-90-90 disease control target is only 73% of people living with HIV virally suppressed. For 2010 to 2019, we abstracted HIV funding data for 40 countries in sub-Saharan Africa (70% of global HIV burden and >99% of HIV burden in the region in 2018). During 2010–2019, there was ∼$52 billion funding for 40 countries (99% Africa HIV burden). Domestic funding ranged from $0 to $3.2 billion. PEPFAR funding was $32 billion (average $1.4 billion; range $0.089–4.3 billion) among 22 countries. Global Fund averaged $306 million ($1.9 million to $1.1 billion) for 40 countries. Among PLHIV, known HIV status averaged 80% (11% to 94%). ART coverage averaged 64% (9% to 90%). Viral suppression among PLHIV ranged from 8% to 87%. Of the 40 countries, 21 reported under 60% of PLHIV to be on treatment and 13 did not report viral suppression for 2018. Achieving 90-90-90 is feasible in challenging settings if resources are used efficiently. Despite the significant investment in the HIV response, many countries have not reached the 90-90-90 target. Greater attention to efficiency and prioritizing important targets will be required to end AIDS in Africa.