International Day to Raise Awareness about AIDS

Today, on December 1st, we observe World AIDS Day 2024 with a focus on the theme “Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right!” The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for South-East Asia, Saima Wazed, emphasizes the importance of a rights-based approach to healthcare that empowers those affected by HIV/AIDS. The goal is to end AIDS by 2030 and address the inequalities that hinder progress towards this target.

Marginalized populations, such as men who have sex with men, sex workers, and prisoners, continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS due to stigma and discrimination. The WHO South-East Asia Region has approximately 3.9 million people living with HIV, with ongoing challenges in achieving the 95-95-95 goals: ensuring 95% are diagnosed, 95% receive treatment, and 95% achieve viral suppression.

Children and adolescents living with HIV face unique challenges, including the need for comprehensive interventions to prevent mother-to-child transmission. The region has seen a decline in new infections among young people, but challenges remain in access to healthcare and sexual education. The recent Ministerial Declaration on Adolescent-Responsive Health Systems demonstrates a commitment to addressing these issues and empowering young people with rights-based approaches.

Innovative solutions, such as mobile health apps and online counselling, offer promising avenues to reach youth and key populations with essential services. Collaboration among governments, donors, and partners is crucial to ensure the availability and affordability of biomedical tools like PrEP and PEP in the fight against HIV transmission.

On this World AIDS Day, let us recommit to ensuring the health and rights of all individuals affected by HIV/AIDS. By advocating for health equity and empowering communities to stand up for their rights, we can move closer to achieving the goal of ending AIDS by 2030.

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Photo credit www.who.int