Going the Extra Mile to End the HIV Epidemic in Europe

The possibility of ending the HIV epidemic in Europe is more tangible than ever. Decades of scientific innovation, community partnership, and public health advocacy have helped to transform HIV from an inevitably fatal diagnosis to one that can be effectively managed and prevented. Despite the progress that has been made, challenges remain that must now be addressed to eliminate HIV for everyone, everywhere. Progress can be secured through the heightened rollout of education and awareness, delivery of screening and prevention measures, and understanding the lived experiences of those living with HIV. A strong and consistent commitment from all stakeholders, with each of them playing their part, is now needed to maintain momentum in these areas. The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) 95-95-95 HIV testing, treatment, and viral suppression targets are all within reach. However, what got us here won’t get us to 2030, unless there is a change in direction. The decisions and actions we take today will determine whether we succeed in going the extra mile or fall short at the final hurdle. HIV has been the focus of the career of Felipe Rogatto, Executive Director, Global Medical Affairs – HIV, Gilead Sciences Europe, and he has seen firsthand what can be achieved if a proactive community of researchers, clinicians, and other stakeholders work hand in hand with those impacted by HIV. Effective and well-tolerated antiretroviral therapies (ART) have helped to drastically reduce HIV-related deaths and improved both the quality of life and the life expectancy of people living with HIV. Simplified treatment regimens significantly reduced the burden for many people living with HIV, and the spread of therapies to prevent HIV transmission holds great promise for ending the spread of the virus. He has also watched as scientific evidence has been turned into effective campaigns, messages, or consensus statements, such as ‘Undetectable Equals Untransmissible’ (U=U), to help raise awareness and change perceptions of what it means to live with HIV. There is no doubt that progress has been made. Much of the success we have seen in Europe has coalesced around strategies, targets, and milestones defined by organisations such as the UNAIDS and the WHO, which have helped to fuel high-level and united efforts to end the HIV epidemic. The end of the epidemic is within reach. However, what got us here won’t get us to 2030, unless there is a change in direction. We must address challenges that remain if we are to go the extra mile and eliminate HIV for everyone, everywhere.