MIAMI, United States. – Every year, on December 1, the world commemorates World AIDS Day. On this date, people from all over the world come together to support people living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and to remember those who have died of AIDS-related illnesses.
In accordance with UNAIDSthis year the motto of the world day against AIDS is “Equality Now”, under which a list of challenges is incorporated.
According to that United Nations agency, the global response to HIV declined during the last two years of the COVID-19 pandemic and other world crises. Likewise, in the current context, the resources to deal with the epidemic have been reduced and, consequently, millions of lives are at risk.
After four decades of responding to HIV, inequalities persist in the most basic services, such as access to testing, treatment and condoms.
Young African women continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV, while coverage of targeted programs for them remains too low.
Only one third of people in key population groups, including gay men and other men who have sex with men, transgender people, drug users, sex workers and prisoners, have regular access to prevention. Key population groups face significant legal barriers, such as criminalization, discrimination and stigma.
World AIDS Day was established in 1988. Since then, United Nations agencies, governments and civil society have come together every year to fight in specific areas related to HIV.
On this date, many people choose to wear a red ribbon, which is the universal symbol that shows support and solidarity with people living with HIV.
Also, many people living with HIV choose this day to speak up and be heard on important issues in their lives.
Many groups of people living with HIV and many other civil society organizations involved in the AIDS response mobilize in support of the communities they represent and to raise funds.
According to the United Nations, World AIDS Day remains as important today as when it began, and continues to remind society and governments that HIV has not disappeared.
Today it is critical to increase funding for the AIDS response. It is also essential that society as a whole becomes aware of how HIV affects people’s lives, in order to end stigma and discrimination, and to improve the quality of life of people living with HIV.
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