Webinar on The Lancet HIV Series: HIV Outcomes Beyond Viral Suppression

The Lancet HIV Series on HIV Outcomes: Beyond Viral Suppression

In the era of modern antiretroviral therapy people living with HIV can expect to live a normal lifespan. However substantial barriers to accessing non-HIV related care still exist and impact the wellbeing of this population. Current targets for the HIV response focus on testing, treatment and viral suppression. However, many factors come into play to determine the health-related quality of life of people living with HIV. The Series put the spotlight on person-centred HIV care, tackling stigma and reorienting services for a ‘beyond viral suppression’ paradigm shift.

‘The Lancet HIV series on HIV Outcomes: Beyond Viral Suppression’ were led by HIV Outcomes Co-Chairs Prof. Jeffrey V Lazarus and Prof. Jane Anderson. The series argue that, with HIV becoming a chronic disease, health systems are largely unprepared to meet the needs of growing numbers of ageing people living with HIV.

Despite living longer lives, the overall quality of life of people living with HIV does not match that of the rest of the population. People living with HIV still face significant stigma and discrimination, and are burdened by comorbidities and a higher rate of mental health issues.