I am here because Africa is the continent still most affected by the HIV epidemic. More than 25 million people are living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa—more than two-thirds of the global total of 37.9 million people living with HIV. I am also here because many countries in Africa are leading the way to end AIDS. We are heroes, fighting the epidemic. In Kenya, AIDS-related deaths have fallen by more than 50% since 2010, and new HIV infections are down by 30%. This is a great achievement. Great progress in a short time. Today, I can announce that 24.5 million people living with HIV around the world now have access to life-saving treatment. Great news and great progress.

Statement delivered by UNAIDS to the Sixty-third session of the Commission on the Status of Women in New York on 18 March 2019.