While the Western Pacific Region has made significant strides in responding to HIV/AIDS including prevention and scale-up of case finding and treatment, recent trends confirm a resurgence of the epidemic in some countries.
This is partly driven by increased infection among high-risk populations including people who inject drugs with increased availability of amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) and limited or absent harm reduction services. Laws that criminalize drug use, along with stigma, make it harder to reach affected populations and weaken national responses. The lack of rapid and accessible HIV screening and early diagnosis in some countries, combined with stockouts of key medical supplies, has contributed to an increasing number of undiagnosed and untreated cases.
HIV infection increases the risk of developing active tuberculosis (TB), and in settings where access to early HIV diagnosis and treatment remains limited, the potential for co-infection might add strain on health systems. The increased incidence of HIV in a number of countries in the Western Pacific Region threatens progress in TB control, particularly in countries where new HIV infections are increasing. In 2024, an estimated 58 165 of new TB cases (2% of total TB incidence) in the Region were attributable to HIV infection.
Substance use is an emerging but under-addressed driver of HIV transmission in the Region. Harm reduction services as well as non-injecting drug use and ATS-related interventions are either limited or unavailable.
This side event at the seventy-sixth session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific (RCM76) presents a timely opportunity to raise awareness of the growing HIV and substance use challenges and to learn good practices from countries. It aims to mobilize political commitment, highlight country priorities, and promote coordinated responses among governments, partners, and communities. The panel discussion will inform strategic action to strengthen surveillance, prevention and care for HIV and substance use, and to ensure a sustained, inclusive response across the Region.
Programme
Opening remarks
- Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, Regional Director, WHO Western Pacific Region
Setting the scene
- Dr Huong Thi Giang Tran, Director of Programmes for Disease Control, WHO Western Pacific Region
Panel discussion
- Moderator: Dr Mark Jacobs, WHO Representative for the South Pacific and Director of Pacific Technical Support
- Panelists: Representatives from Fiji, Philippines, Viet Nam, and civil society
Closing remarks
- Dr Eamonn Murphy, Regional Director, UNAIDS Asia Pacific, Eastern Europe and Central Asia
All delegates to the seventy-sixth session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific are welcome to attend in person at the RCM76 venue.