As the international community observes World AIDS Day under the theme, “Take the rights path: My health, my right!” This year’s focus emphasizes the critical role of human rights in the global fight against HIV and the commitment to achieve its elimination by 2030.
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The WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, highlighted the interconnectedness of HIV with social determinants like poverty, gender inequality, and violence.
In her message to commemorate the day, Dr. Moeti stressed that safeguarding human rights is fundamental to removing barriers such as stigma and discrimination that hinder access to HIV prevention and care, especially for marginalized populations.
“Africa has made significant strides in controlling HIV despite bearing the highest burden of the epidemic globally”. She said.
“The trajectory of new infections and AIDS-related deaths has shifted positively, with new infections outside sub-Saharan Africa surpassing those within the region for the first time in 2023”.
“Seven African countries have achieved the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, with the regional progress standing at 90-82-76, a testament to improved testing, treatment, and viral suppression efforts”. She added.
Dr. Moeti also lauded Botswana and Namibia for their milestones in reducing mother-to-child HIV transmission, earning them the “silver” and “bronze” tier statuses, respectively.
“These achievements reflect the success of the “Path to Elimination of HIV” criteria, introduced in 2017”.
“In addition to treatment, African nations are leading in biomedical HIV prevention innovations, rapidly adopting interventions such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and the dipivefrine vaginal ring.
However, Dr. Moeti emphasized the need for equitable access to these tools, highlighting that universal availability requires more investment and policy reforms.
The WHO Regional Director underscored the importance of community involvement in shaping strategies and implementing interventions to tackle human rights-related barriers to care.
“Communities are key partners in achieving an AIDS-free generation”. She stated.
Dr. Moeti also acknowledged the growing challenges posed by disease outbreaks in Africa, which strain health systems and complicate the HIV response. She advocated for integrated, person-centered healthcare approaches to address the multiple needs of vulnerable populations effectively.
Reflecting on the region’s progress, she called for renewed commitment and collective efforts from governments, partners, healthcare providers, civil society, and communities.
“By protecting everyone’s right to health and reducing new HIV infections, we can achieve an AIDS-free generation and ensure the sustainability of the HIV response”. She added.
World AIDS Day marked every 1st day of December serves as a reminder of the progress made and the work still required to eliminate HIV and safeguard human rights across the African continent.
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