Lomé, Togo – A new era in Togo’s fight against HIV/AIDS has begun with the arrival of Dr. Christian Mouala as the new UNAIDS Country Director. His appointment, formalized on March 12, 2026, signals a renewed commitment to consolidating the significant progress the West African nation has made towards eliminating the epidemic. This comes at a crucial time, as Togo continues to strive towards achieving the ambitious “95-95-95” targets set by UNAIDS.
Dr. Mouala’s arrival was officially acknowledged with the presentation of his letters of appointment to Togolese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Professor Robert Dussey. The new UNAIDS director will be based at the multi-country office in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, but will oversee the coordination and strengthening of Togo’s national response to HIV/AIDS. This collaborative effort will involve close partnerships with the government, civil society organizations, and technical and financial partners, according to an official statement released by Lomé.
The appointment underscores the importance of international cooperation in tackling global health challenges. UNAIDS plays a pivotal role in coordinating the global response to HIV/AIDS, providing strategic direction, advocacy, and technical assistance to countries worldwide. Togo’s progress in recent years demonstrates the effectiveness of these partnerships and the dedication of local stakeholders.
Togo’s Progress Towards HIV/AIDS Elimination
Togo has demonstrated notable advancements in its HIV/AIDS response, particularly in expanding access to testing and treatment. Data from the National Council for the Fight Against AIDS (CNLS) reveals a significant increase in the percentage of people living with HIV who know their status. In 2024, approximately 98% of individuals living with HIV were aware of their infection, a substantial rise from 90% just one year prior. UNAIDS Togo highlighted this development on X (formerly Twitter), noting the appointment of Dr. Mouala alongside the country’s ongoing efforts.
therapeutic coverage has remained stable at 92%, meaning a consistent proportion of those diagnosed are receiving life-saving antiretroviral therapy. Impressively, 85% of patients under treatment have achieved viral suppression, indicating the effectiveness of the treatment regimens and adherence to medication. These figures align with the “95-95-95” strategy, a globally recognized framework for ending the AIDS epidemic. The strategy aims to have 95% of all people living with HIV diagnosed, 95% of those diagnosed on antiretroviral therapy, and 95% of those on treatment with suppressed viral loads.
The “95-95-95” targets, established by UNAIDS, represent a critical pathway towards ending the AIDS epidemic as a public health threat. Achieving these targets requires sustained investment in prevention, testing, treatment, and care services, as well as addressing the social and structural factors that drive the epidemic. Togo’s commitment to these goals is evident in its recent progress and the appointment of a dedicated UNAIDS Country Director.
Dr. Mouala’s Mandate and Priorities
Dr. Mouala’s primary mandate is to build upon Togo’s existing successes and accelerate progress towards HIV/AIDS elimination. This will involve intensifying prevention efforts, particularly among vulnerable populations, and improving access to HIV testing and treatment services across the country. The Togolese Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged the collaborative spirit of this endeavor on Facebook, emphasizing the shared commitment between Togo and UNAIDS.
A key aspect of his role will be strengthening the coordination of the national HIV/AIDS response, ensuring that all stakeholders are working together effectively. This includes fostering collaboration between government agencies, civil society organizations, healthcare providers, and international partners. Effective coordination is essential for maximizing the impact of resources and avoiding duplication of efforts.
Beyond treatment and prevention, Dr. Mouala will likewise focus on addressing the broader social determinants of health that contribute to the spread of HIV/AIDS. These include poverty, inequality, gender disparities, and stigma. Addressing these underlying factors is crucial for creating a more equitable and sustainable response to the epidemic.
The Role of International Partnerships
The appointment of Dr. Mouala and the ongoing collaboration between Togo and UNAIDS highlight the critical role of international partnerships in addressing global health challenges. UNAIDS provides technical expertise, financial resources, and advocacy support to countries around the world, helping them to strengthen their national HIV/AIDS responses.
The partnership between Togo and UNAIDS is particularly important given the evolving landscape of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. While significant progress has been made in recent years, challenges remain, including the emergence of drug resistance, the require to reach marginalized populations, and the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on HIV/AIDS services.
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted HIV/AIDS programs globally, leading to setbacks in testing, treatment, and prevention efforts. Recovering from these disruptions and building more resilient health systems will be a key priority for Dr. Mouala and his team.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining Momentum and Achieving Elimination
Togo’s commitment to achieving the “95-95-95” targets and ultimately eliminating HIV/AIDS as a public health threat is commendable. The appointment of Dr. Christian Mouala as the new UNAIDS Country Director represents a significant step forward in this endeavor. Professor Robert Dussey, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, reaffirmed this commitment during the formal handover of Dr. Mouala’s credentials, as highlighted on his official Facebook page.
Sustaining the momentum achieved in recent years will require continued investment in HIV/AIDS programs, a strong commitment to innovation, and a focus on reaching those who are most vulnerable. This includes scaling up prevention efforts, expanding access to testing and treatment, and addressing the social and structural factors that drive the epidemic.
The next key milestone for Togo will be to maintain and further improve its coverage rates for HIV testing, treatment, and viral suppression. Continued monitoring of these indicators will be essential for tracking progress and identifying areas where additional efforts are needed. The CNLS will continue to play a vital role in collecting and analyzing data, providing evidence-based guidance for the national response.
The UNAIDS Country Director will provide regular updates on the progress of the national HIV/AIDS response, and the next official report is expected in December 2026. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and experiences on this important issue in the comments below. Your voices are valuable as we work together to end the AIDS epidemic.
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