'HIV infections fall 22%, HIV-related deaths 40% globally'

New HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infections have fallen 22% and HIV-related deaths 40% globally, according to estimates published in The Lancet HIV journal on Monday, highlighting the significant progress made in the global fight against the virus but also serving a stark warning that current trends indicate the world is not on track in meeting the UNAIDS 2030 targets.

- Rhythma Kaul

Despite this progress, the researchers said in the study, regional variation in the HIV response indicate that the world is not on track to cut new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths by 90% by 2030. The number of people living with HIV is expected to peak at 44.4 million by 2039, followed by a gradual decrease to 43.4 million people by 2050, they said.