Advanced HIV disease and health related suffering- exploring the unmet need of palliative care

With over 38 million people living with HIV worldwide, the scale-up of antiretroviral therapy (ART) ensures nearly 28 million receive regular treatment. However, still a significant number of deaths occur every year from AIDS-related complications, approximately 680,000 in 2021. 7 million people out of an estimated 56.8 million globally in need of palliative care can access services. Providing palliative care services can help alleviate health related suffering, reduce pain, other symptoms and improve well-being. This paper discusses the unrealised potential of palliative care in individuals with advanced HIV disease. Key areas of health worker training include appropriate sensitisation, training in palliative care and effective communication. Offering advance care planning is of vital importance, impacting both the individual and their family. Integration of palliative care into HIV programs is needed to address health related suffering, particularly for AHD, and accelerate global efforts for ending AIDS related deaths by 2030.