HIV is persistent—but so are we

With treatment, people with HIV are living healthier and longer lives. Yet too many people still lack access to lifesaving care. Stigma, disempowerment, and gender-based violence contribute to millions of new—and preventable—infections each year, most in sub-Saharan Africa.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, PATH has worked in more than 35 countries to overcome these challenges and reduce the global impact of HIV. We mobilize local communities, public and private partners, governments, and leaders to tackle HIV head on.

Our multipronged approach includes developing and advancing new diagnostics and drug delivery systems and formulations that are affordable and appropriate in low-resource settings. We introduce and scale service delivery innovations to improve access to HIV services, and we strengthen the health systems and approaches that enable sustainable, high-quality care.

Targeted action

HIV damages the immune system, making other diseases—such as tuberculosis and noncommunicable diseases—especially dangerous for people living with the virus. We are at the forefront of integrating services for HIV and related conditions—improving efficiency and saving more lives.

Because communities have a powerful role in protecting health, we work closely with local groups to increase healthy behaviors and confront the stigma and gender-based violence that impede care and contribute to new infections.

We also focus on the unique HIV prevention needs of women and girls. This includes addressing the economic and power disparities that put them at greater risk for infection than their male peers and giving them the tools to protect their health. For instance, we’re helping more women access a combination of prevention options, including HIV testing, male and female condoms, medicines that can prevent HIV if taken before intercourse (pre-exposure prophylaxis), and treatment for HIV-positive partners.

Together with communities, experts, and local and global partners, we’re taking targeted action—focusing our tenacity, innovation, and expertise to improve health and opportunity for people living with HIV and their families and communities worldwide.

Photo: PATH/Eric Becker.