Despite significant progress in recent decades, HIV remains a global challenge. Gender inequalities, social stigma, and barriers to healthcare services hinder the achievement of set goals. Of the 39.9 million people living with HIV, 9.3 million still lack access to life-saving treatments. Last year, 630,000 people died of AIDS-related illnesses, and 1.3 million contracted HIV. In at least 28 countries, the number of new HIV infections is increasing. (UNAIDS data)

In this context, the DREAM Program by the Community of Sant’Egidio stands out as an innovative and inclusive model in the fight against HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. Since 2002, DREAM has provided free treatment and prevention services to over 500,000 people across 10 African countries through its 50 health centers and 28 molecular biology laboratories.

Key Achievements:

• 150,000 healthy children born to HIV-positive mothers, thanks to the prevention of vertical transmission.
• The establishment of a network of “expert clients,” recovered patients who raise awareness in communities and promote prevention and treatment.
• Integration of HIV care with the treatment of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as diabetes and hypertension, which are increasingly common among HIV-positive individuals.

Special attention is given to youth and women, among the most affected groups. AIDS remains the leading cause of death among African adolescents.

To reaffirm its commitment to the fight against HIV and foster international collaboration, on January 24, 2025, in Rome, the DREAM Program will host the conference: “Defeating HIV in Africa: A Possible Goal.”

The event will bring together African health ministries, Italian institutions, pharmaceutical companies, non-governmental organizations, and international experts to address the main challenges in combating HIV in Africa.

Topics on the agenda:

• Drug resistance and therapy optimization.
• Integration of HIV care with treatment for non-communicable diseases.
• Technological innovations for patient monitoring and therapy management.
• The role of new drugs, such as Dolutegravir (DTG), in treatment strategies.

The conference will serve as a platform to transform policy discussions into concrete actions, promoting partnerships and innovative solutions to improve the quality of life for people living with HIV and strengthen healthcare systems in Africa.

In line with the theme of World AIDS Day 2024, the DREAM Program reiterates its commitment to combating inequalities, providing high-quality care, and promoting human rights—essential elements to end HIV as a global threat by 2030.