It would be recalled that on June 1981, case reports from five AIDS patients in California, USA, were published in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly reports, beginning the 40-year battle between humans and AIDS.
Since then, December 1st is commemorated annually as World Aids Day. The day is set aside to recognise communities and their crucial role in shaping the response to HIV and global health.
It is also a moment to measure the progress made thus far and to raise awareness about the remaining challenges to ending Aids by 2030. However, the theme for this year’s event is ‘let communities lead’.
It was reported in our Tuesday’s edition of The Point that the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the National Aids Secretariat and partners on Monday held a joint presser to update the public on the efforts and preparation towards World Aids Day celebration, which is set to place on December 14th 2023 in Brikama. The theme is quite apt in the view of the fact that are key in curbing the surge of this deadly virus.
According to officials, the HIV prevalence rate in the country stands at 1.5% based on the national 2020 sentinel survey and that there are over 26,000 estimated number of people living with the virus in the country. In view of these statistics, the prevalent rate in the country is said to be stable as compared to the previous years. However, there should be no room for complacency.
Out of this figure, 51% of those affected were diagnosed, which is around 14,000 people. Similarly, 61% of those who were found to be positive are on treatment.
For years, the stigma and discrimination associated with the virus remain a key challenge especially for those suffering from the virus to disclose their HIV status. This has led to new infections in communities.
Gone are those days, when the virus is seen as a death sentence. With development in medical science and new inventions, people living with the virus today have the chance to live a healthier life using antiretroviral (ARVs) that suppress the virus causing AIDS.
Globally, about 30 million out of the 39 million people living with the virus worldwide are receiving live-saving treatment. And access to HIV treatment has prevented nearly 21 million aids related deaths in the last three decades. However, some countries have recorded significant strides by focusing not only on prevention but also on diagnostic care especially for those most in need, thus increasing coverage.
It is a fact that successful HIV responses need strong political leadership, addressing inequalities, involving communities and organization and ensuring enough sustainable funding. Also, community led intervention is proven to be the surest means to ending this public health emergency. It is widely believed that the world can end AIDS with a community's leading way. To this end, people should show solidarity and compassion to those affected by HIV and work towards ending inequalities and ultimately end the pandemic.
Therefore, we thank the Ministry and NAS alongside their key partners for their efforts in sensitizing the public about.