World AIDS Day 2023 | WHO

Message of WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti

AIDS is one of the greatest health crises in human history. On this World AIDS Day, we take the opportunity, again, to reflect on our progress, acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead, and renew our commitment to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic. 

I acknowledge the immense progress made in reducing new infections and AIDS-related deaths. I especially celebrate the strides in increasing access to treatment including the marked progress due to the introduction of new medicines, the adoption of new technologies, and combating stigma. 

Our region must continue engaging with this year’s commemoration theme: “Let Communities Lead.” 

It emphasizes the vital role of communities in addressing the epidemic. It highlights the resilience of communities, the expertise, and most of all, the unwavering commitment to our collective goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. 

The leadership of communities has been instrumental to the remarkable milestones in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Communities affected by HIV, including individuals living with the virus, families, friends, and activists, have always been at the forefront of the response. 

In the early days of the response, when the world was in denial, communities spoke up to fight the silence and stigma. They were at the forefront of the fight against discrimination. They were the advocates who campaigned for increased access to antiretroviral therapy and care, ensuring that no one would be left behind.

As we strive to reach the global targets set for 2025 and 2030, we must continue to create an enabling environment for communities to lead in the HIV response.  An environment that respects and protects their rights, ensuring equitable access to high-quality services and investing in comprehensive prevention, treatment, and support services.

I must emphasize the crucial role of community-led monitoring in improving community leadership for HIV. It is important to recognize that effective community leadership goes beyond advocacy and activism. It involves empowering communities with the tools and knowledge to monitor their progress and hold decision-makers accountable. Community-led monitoring has been a powerful mechanism. It allows communities to monitor and evaluate HIV programs, policies, and services that directly impact their lives, and help identify human rights violations, stigma, and discrimination within healthcare settings, allowing for prompt interventions and solutions.

I acknowledge that despite the progress made, more ground must be covered to address the disparities that persist. We recognize that moving forward, we must prioritize innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable strategies to reach those at risk of being left behind. 

To let communities lead, we need to listen more to their voices, acknowledge their expertise, and involve them in decision-making at all levels. We must build bridges between communities, governments, civil society organizations, and other key stakeholders to foster partnerships based on trust, solidarity, and shared responsibility.

We must recognize the diversity among communities affected by HIV and ensure that tailored interventions are implemented, addressing the specific needs of key populations, such as young and adolescent girls, men who have sex with men, transgender individuals, sex workers, and people who inject drugs.

Furthermore, we must strive to remove the remaining barriers that prevent individuals from accessing testing, prevention, treatment, and care services. These services’ affordability, availability, and acceptability need to be improved to reach the most marginalized and vulnerable populations.

I call upon governments, civil society, development partners, and all stakeholders to join us in empowering communities to lead the HIV response and to re-commit to providing them with the necessary support and autonomy they need to succeed.

Let us walk hand in hand with communities and foster an environment where they can indeed lead to an AIDS-free world.