International HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

The World Health Organization (WHO) is urging leaders and citizens around the globe to champion the right to health on World AIDS Day 2024. The theme for this year, “Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right!” emphasizes the need for accessible, rights-based healthcare for those affected by HIV/AIDS. Marginalized populations, including men who have sex with men, sex workers, people who inject drugs, trans and gender diverse individuals, and prisoners, continue to bear the brunt of the epidemic due to stigma, discrimination, and legal barriers.

In the WHO South-East Asia region, there are approximately 3.9 million people living with HIV. While progress has been made in reducing HIV/AIDS rates, challenges still exist, especially for children and adolescents living with the virus. The triple elimination initiative of vertical transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B is a key priority to prevent the next generation from contracting these diseases.

Young people, especially key populations aged 15 to 24, are particularly vulnerable to new HIV infections due to a lack of comprehensive sexual education and knowledge about HIV transmission. The recent adoption of a Ministerial Declaration on Adolescent-Responsive Health Systems in the region marks a commitment to address the unique needs of young people affected by HIV.

Innovative solutions such as mobile health apps and online counselling offer promising avenues to reach youth and key populations with essential HIV services. Collaboration among governments, international organizations, donors, and partners is crucial to achieve the 2030 target of ending AIDS and the ’95-95-95′ goals. By taking the rights path and advocating for health equity, communities can empower individuals living with HIV/AIDS to declare, “My Health, My Right!”

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Photo credit www.who.int