World AIDS Day: We can and must end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030-UNSG
By Nambu Bernadette
The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, stated that their goal is to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
He was speaking as the world commemorated World Aids Day on Friday, December 1, 2023.
The theme of this year’s celebration is; “Let Communities Lead”.
According to the Secretary-General, there is a need to support communities to end the scourge in their neighborhoods, their countries, and around the world.
“AIDS-related deaths have fallen by almost 70 percent since their peak in 2004, and new HIV infections are at the lowest point since the 1980s. But AIDS still takes a life every minute. We can — and must — end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030,” he said.
He further stated that; “The path to ending AIDS runs through communities. From connecting people to the treatment, services, and support they need to grassroots activism pushing for action so all people can realize their right to health. Supporting those on the frontlines of the battle against AIDS is how we win,”.
To him, there is a need to place community leadership at the center of HIV plans, programs, budgets, and monitoring efforts.
“Above all, we need funding. The AIDS response in low and middle-income countries needs over 8 billion dollars more per year to be fully funded. This must include scaled-up funding for local programs led by people living with HIV, and prevention initiatives led by communities. AIDS is beatable,’ the Secretary-General continued.
World AIDS Day, designated on December 1 every year since 1988, is said to be an international day dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection and mourning those who have died of the disease.
