Last updated on: 27 February 2024
If Amsterdam can do it, the rest of the Netherlands can too! According to the latest statistics released today, Amsterdam is on its way to zero new HIV infections. Since 2010, the number of new infections in the Dutch capital has declined by some 95%, with data estimates saying that just 9 people became infected with HIV in 2022. This means that Amsterdam has achieved the international UNAIDS targets for 2030: 98% of the people living with HIV have been diagnosed, 95% of those who know their status are being treated, and in 96% of those on treatment the virus has been suppressed so that it can no longer be passed on. Amsterdam shows that it can be done. Now we need the same commitment to get all of the Netherlands to zero new HIV infections.
After more than 40 years of working together to stop the spread of HIV, this is great news. It really is possible to end HIV and AIDS. Amsterdam is proving to everyone that it can be done. So we call on the next government to show exactly the same focus and commitment. That means the political will to have national policy based on a goal-oriented approach. With sufficient funding to get the Netherlands to zero new HIV infections by 2030, by making HIV testing and the HIV prevention drug PrEP widely available and running awareness campaigns to dispel the current misconceptions about HIV.
Mark Vermeulen, executive director of Aidsfonds-Soa Aids Nederland
Goal-oriented partnership
Aidsfonds-Soa Aids Nederland is convinced that the success in Amsterdam is the result of an unprecedented partnership of all those involved in the HIV response, brought together in the H-team. Scientists and doctors, as well as advocacy groups and people living with HIV, have worked together for many years towards the goal of ending HIV. The political will of the Amsterdam city council to end HIV by 2026 was another key factor. The council provided extra budget, recently giving additional funding to make the HIV prevention drug PrEP available for more people than the national budget allowed.
… and now it’s time for the rest of the world too
The success of the Amsterdam HIV response was announced at the international ‘Fast-Track Cities’ conference that started today at RAI Amsterdam. This conference brings together mayors, policymakers and people living with HIV from the more than 500 cities worldwide that are committed to accelerating their response to end HIV and AIDS, tuberculosis, and hepatitis.
Although HIV can now be effectively treated, so that you stay healthy and can no longer pass on the virus, over 630,000 people worldwide still died from AIDS last year. For the Netherlands, there is a clear mission to continue working towards the end of AIDS in the rest of the world. It’s up to Amsterdam today to convey the inspiration, as time is running out. After all, the countries in the UN agreed in the Sustainable Development Goals to end AIDS by 2030.
Do you want further information? Contact us at:
Anna Nijsters, Aidsfonds-Soa Aids Nederland press office
+31 (0)6-24463449
anijsters@aidsfonds.nl
