World AIDS Day has been observed since 1988 & this year’s theme is “Ending the HIV/AIDS Epidemic: Community by Community”. António Guterres UN Secretary-General stated, “Ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030, as we commit to in the Sustainable Development Goals, will require a continuous collaborative effort. The United Nations, Governments, civil society & other partners have been working together to scale up access to health services & to halt new HIV infections. More than 23 million people living with HIV were receiving treatment in 2018. Communities around the world are at the heart of this response―helping people to claim their rights, promoting access to stigma-free health & social services, ensuring that services reach the most vulnerable & marginalized & pressing to change laws that discriminate. As the theme of this year’s observance rightly highlights, communities make the difference. Yet unmet needs remain. A record 38 million people are living with HIV & resources for the response to the epidemic declined by $1 billion last year. More than ever we need to harness the role of community-led organizations that advocate for their peers, deliver HIV services, defend human rights & provide support. Where communities are engaged, we see change happen. We see investment lead to results & we see equality, respect and dignity. With communities, we can end AIDS.” Each year organizations & individuals across the world bring attention to the HIV epidemic to increase HIV awareness & knowledge, speak out against HIV stigma & call for an increased response to move toward ending the HIV epidemic. World AIDS Day is an opportunity to celebrate & remember those who have died from this epidemic & support those living with HIV.
For More Info: worldaidsday.org
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