In a significant step towards ending the global HIV/AIDS pandemic by 2030, landmark studies from nearly 30 years ago demonstrated the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy in preventing parent-to-child transmission of the virus. Since then, 5.5 million children have been born free of HIV, thanks to initiatives such as the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). However, as the world approaches the ambitious '95-95-95' targets set by the United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), there is a pressing need to empower communities and individuals to ensure access to life-saving interventions.

Botswana stands as a beacon of success in the global fight against HIV/AIDS. Through partnerships with organizations like PEPFAR, faith-based groups, and civil society, Botswana has made remarkable progress in reducing prevalence rates among pregnant women aged 15-49 from 1 in 3 in 2008 to around 24% in 2022. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized Botswana as the first high-burden country on track to eliminating new HIV infections among children. These achievements were made possible by ensuring access to interventions such as drugs to prevent parent-to-child transmission, antiretroviral therapy, condoms, voluntary male circumcision, and pre-exposure prophylaxis therapy (PrEP).

As global infection rates decline, reaching the most vulnerable populations remains a challenge. Testing plays a crucial role in linking individuals to treatment and increasing awareness about preventive measures. It is estimated that 5.5 million people globally are living with HIV but are unaware of their status. Initiating antiretroviral therapy immediately after diagnosis significantly improves adherence rates and lifetime treatment success. However, barriers such as stigma, discrimination, logistical challenges, and fear of inciting anger and mistrust prevent many from accessing testing and treatment services.

To achieve the UNAIDS targets, it is crucial to empower health ministries, clinicians, community health workers, and HIV activists in designing programs that prioritize individual needs and create a person-centered care approach. Adolescents and young adults, particularly girls and women aged 15-24 and men aged 25-35, should be a priority. This age group accounts for around 27% of new HIV infections globally, yet testing rates in eastern and southern Africa, the most affected region, remain low.

Efforts must also focus on reaching populations at high risk, such as sex workers and members of the LGBT+ community, who may lack awareness of their vulnerability and the effectiveness of preventive measures like PrEP. Recent studies have shown that providing choices and youth-friendly services increases the uptake and continuation of preventive interventions. This includes tailoring interventions to the unique needs of young people, understanding their decision-making processes, and ensuring accessibility amidst their other responsibilities.

One noteworthy study conducted in Johannesburg, South Africa, offered young women aged 18-25 an information package featuring youth-friendly content and images of prevention interventions. The results were promising, with PrEP uptake exceeding 90% and significantly higher continuation rates compared to standard counseling.

As the HIV/AIDS fight enters a critical phase, progress towards ending the pandemic as a public health threat is within reach. However, empowering communities, reducing barriers, and tailoring interventions to individual needs are key to achieving the '95-95-95' targets by 2030. By prioritizing young people and high-risk populations, and by ensuring accessible and youth-friendly services, we can take decisive steps towards a future free from the burden of HIV/AIDS.