Topic: HIV/AIDS
Country: Sweden
Delegate Name: Anton Ludwig
School: East Grand Rapids High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Sweden position papers GLIMUN 2018 committees
HIV and AIDS are two diseases which continue to pose a great threat to humanity worldwide. If preventative measures are not taken, these diseases have the potential to destroy many lives very rapidly. While incurable, steps can be taken to treat those who test HIV-positive, and many improvements can be made to prevent further infections. Issues which still are in need to resolution today are the prevalence of misinformation regarding its transmission, the steep cost of treatment, and the difficulties of getting a proper diagnosis. Recently, in 2014, the WHO has taken action with the 90-90-90 plan, setting goals for diagnosis and connecting patients to care. This plan proposed that by 2020, 90% of citizens with HIV be diagnosed, 90% be connected to care after diagnosis, and 90% of people with care have an effective suppression of the HIV virus.
Sweden, as one of the only nations to have met the goals of the WHO set in 2014, would like to see further action to support other nations on their way towards these goals. Many nations face issues with providing access to HIV tests, as well as treatment after a positive diagnosis, and Sweden hopes this committee can reach a resolution which addresses these concerns. In addition, Sweden views the misinformation surrounding HIV and AIDS, especially its transmission, to be a great threat to worldwide efforts of fighting these diseases. While current medications allow patients to live full and happy lives, Sweden would also look favorably upon encouraging research and development of permanent cures towards HIV.
With these objectives in mind, Sweden hopes to set international guidelines regarding health care and its inclusion of HIV treatments. Cost is an important limiting factor in providing treatment to the majority of citizens, due to the high price of the most effective HIV treatments (antiretroviral therapy, or ART). Providing free or reduced cost access to HIV treatments would both help current patients as well as curb transmission rates due to the reduced amount of citizens not being treated. HIV self-tests are also something Sweden hopes to see encouraged by the WHO, as these maintain patient confidentiality and would make it easier for citizens to get information about their status. In terms of research, it is imperative that there is a greater push for a permanent cure, and Sweden hopes this will be a part of the international research agenda. Lastly, a crucial factor in stopping the spread of HIV and its development into AIDS is informing the average citizen. The delegation from Sweden hopes that the WHO will strive to inform people worldwide of the risks HIV poses.
