WHO deeply concerned about impact of COVID-19 on the global response to HIV: Dr Tedros

Geneva: The Director General of the World Health Organisation Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has voiced deep concern about the impact of COVID-19 on the global response to HIV.

At the global media briefing held on June 7, 2020 in Geneva, Dr Tedros stated, “WHO is deeply concerned about the impact of COVID-19 on the global response to HIV.

A new WHO survey showed access to HIV medicines has been significantly curtailed as result of the pandemic”

“73 countries have reported that they are at risk of stock-outs of antiretroviral medicines (ARVs). To mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on HIV treatment access, WHO recommends all countries prescribe ARVs for longer periods of time, Dr Tedros further asserted.

The WHO Director General appealed to countries saying “Similarly, shortages of condoms and pre-exposure prophylaxis can prove costly and WHO calls for countries to ensure uninterrupted prevention, testing and treatment services for HIV.”

"WHO is deeply concerned about the impact of #COVID19 on the global response to #HIV.
A new WHO survey showed access to HIV medicines has been significantly curtailed as result of the pandemic"-@DrTedros #AIDS2020 https://t.co/BRuucliS4w

— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) July 7, 2020