The cost of reaching the 90-90-90 targets: are current investments enough?

The 90-90-90 targets were launched with the aim of reaching specific milestones by 2020. To support these targets, modeling has shown that additional resources are needed. This review examines what is known about current investments for HIV in low and middle-income countries, resource needs, and the potential for additional investment.

Reaching the 90-90-90 targets would place the global community on track to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030, significantly improving health outcomes and reducing future spending needs. Recent analyses indicate, however, that funding has slowed and there is a significant gap in resources needed to reach targets. While some studies have modeled the potential for additional HIV spending based on normative and theoretical benchmarks, there are limitations to such approaches. Others have looked at the potential to increase efficiencies. Even if spending continues at recent rates, there would still be a gap of $6.4 billion in 2020.

There is a significant gap in resources needed to reach the 90-90-90 targets by 2020. It may be possible to reduce the gap through more efficient allocation of resources. In addition, there are efforts underway to mobilize more investment. Ultimately, any gap that remains has implications for health outcomes and future spending.