WHA Statement on United Nations Political Declaration on HIV 2021

The United Nations hosted a high-level meeting (HLM) on HIV/AIDS from 8 -10 June 2021. At the conclusion of the meeting, countries signed a political declaration on HIV reaffirming their commitments to ending the HIV epidemic by 2030.

In the document, hepatitis integration is included in several areas, including maternal health interventions, harm reduction services, and services targeting those living with hepatitis co-infection. Across the world, 2.3 million people live with HIV and hepatitis C and 2.7 million people live with HIV and hepatitis B.

The World Hepatitis Alliance (WHA) and our network of over 300 organisations in 100 countries welcome the inclusion of viral hepatitis within the 2021 Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS. Viral hepatitis and HIV often disproportionately affect the same communities. Targeted interventions to help prevent, diagnose, and treat hepatitis and HIV are crucial in ensuring the communities most underserved by health systems are not left behind as we look to tackle these epidemics.

Now is the time to turn these commitments into equitable action on hepatitis elimination. Communities affected by viral hepatitis are often left unable to receive the care they need. We call on global funders to support countries to integrate services, particularly in maternal health and harm reduction services. By taking a person-centred approach to healthcare, with civil society and the affected community playing a central role, we can win the fight against HIV and hepatitis together.

Hepatitis Can’t Wait. We must act now.