AMBITIOUS TREATMENT TARGETS: WRITING THE FINAL CHAPTER OF THE AIDS EPIDEMIC

Ending AIDS is more than a historic obligation to the 39 million people who have died of AIDS-related illnesses. It also represents a momentous opportunity to lay the foundation for a healthier, more just and equitable world. Ending AIDS will inspire broader global health and development efforts, demonstrating what can be achieved through global solidarity, evidence-based action and multisectoral partnerships. Although many strategies will be needed to close the book on the AIDS epidemic, it will be impossible to end the AIDS epidemic without bringing HIV treatment to all who need it. As we contemplate the way forward following the 2015 deadline for the targets and commitments in the 2011 Political Declaration on HIV and AIDS, a final set of targets is needed to drive progress towards the concluding chapter of the AIDS epidemic, promote accountability and unite diverse stakeholders in a common effort. Whereas previous AIDS targets sought to achieve incremental progress in the response, our aim in the post-2015 era is nothing less than the end of the AIDS epidemic by 2030