Maseru, Aug. 08 – – – The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially launched the 2022–2030 Global Health Sector Strategies (GHSS) on HIV, viral hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), charting a transformative roadmap to end these public health threats by the year 2030.
These new strategies build upon the momentum and lessons learned from the 2016–2021 plans, aligning closely with recent global shifts in epidemiology, health technologies, and contextual challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. They offer an integrated, evidence-based response that encourages synergy across disease areas, while advancing innovation and equity in public health.
At the heart of the strategies is a strong call for countries to tailor their responses by identifying key populations most affected by these diseases, including adolescents, sex workers, men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, prisoners, and other marginalised groups. Nations are encouraged to adopt localized, inclusive, and rights-based approaches that ensure equitable access to prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care.
The 2022–2030 strategies emphasize the health sector’s pivotal role, while also urging governments to implement a cross-sectoral Health in All Policies approach. This involves addressing broader structural barriers such as stigma, discrimination, gender inequality, and legal obstacles that often hinder access to essential health services.
Ends/KP/tl
