By: James Rehmat
World AIDS Day is commemorated annually on December 1, offering a platform to unite in the fight against HIV/AIDS, support individuals living with the virus, and honor those who have succumbed to AIDS-related illnesses. This year’s theme, “Take the Rights Path,” emphasizes the critical role of human rights in addressing the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
A Global Epidemic:
As of 2023, over 39 million people globally were living with HIV. Despite advancements in prevention and treatment, disparities persist. Around 1.3 million new infections were reported last year, highlighting the need for innovative strategies to combat the epidemic. Vulnerable groups, including women, youth, LGBTQ+ communities, and sex workers, face disproportionate risks due to stigma, discrimination, and inadequate access to healthcare services.
The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) stresses the urgency of meeting the 95-95-95 targets—ensuring 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed receive treatment, and 95% on treatment achieve viral suppression. These goals are crucial to ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
Regional Challenges and Progress:
Sub-Saharan Africa remains the most affected region, with 25.9 million people living with HIV in 2023. Gender inequality drives infection rates, particularly among young women aged 15–24, who are twice as likely to acquire HIV as their male peers. Despite these challenges, increased anti retroviral therapy (ART) coverage and community-driven programs are reversing trends in some areas.
In the Asia-Pacific, countries like Thailand and Cambodia have made significant progress toward the 95-95-95 targets by addressing systemic barriers, such as criminalization of key populations. Meanwhile, Latin America and the Caribbean, with over 2 million people living with HIV, continue to battle stigma impeding testing and treatment efforts. Brazil has become a regional leader by expanding public health campaigns and incorporating comprehensive sexual education.
Pakistan’s Struggle with HIV/AIDs:
Pakistan faces unique challenges in its HIV/AIDS response. Although classified as a low-prevalence country, localized outbreaks and rising infections among high-risk groups—such as injecting drug users and transgender individuals—are raising concerns.
The UNAIDS Pakistan Country Fact Sheet (2023) provides the following data: People living with HIV: 290,000 [270,000–310,000] Adults (15+) on ART: 45,000 Deaths due to AIDS: 11,000 [9,600–13,000] Children (0–14) living with HIV: 8,300 [7,500–9,000]
Awareness campaigns, community-based interventions, and government-led initiatives remain critical to addressing these issues. However, barriers such as insufficient funding, limited healthcare infrastructure, and cultural stigma hinder progress.
Community Resilience:
Efforts to humanize the fight against HIV/AIDS include highlighting the resilience of affected individuals. For instance, Ayesha (name changed), a 32-year-old woman from Sindh, contracted HIV from her husband. Initially ostracized, she found solace in a local support group and now advocates for testing and treatment within her community.
Programs targeting urban youth, including peer-led educational campaigns, empower younger generations to adopt safer practices, fostering awareness about HIV prevention.
One notable initiative, “Fostering AIDS Initiative that Heals,” led by the Ecumenical Commission for Human Development (ECHD), integrates prevention, care, and advocacy. Rooted in Christian values, it aims to reduce stigma, promote inclusivity, and ensure equitable healthcare access.
A Rights-Based Approach:
This year’s theme, “Take the Rights Path,” highlights the necessity of human rights in achieving health equity. Experts emphasize the importance of accessible sexual and reproductive health services, decriminalization of vulnerable populations, and the elimination of gender-based violence to reduce infections and improve quality of life.
Countries that adopt inclusive policies, such as free ART and non-discriminatory healthcare, demonstrate significantly better outcomes for people living with HIV.
A Shared Responsibility:
As the world reflects on World AIDS Day 2024, the call to action is clear: the fight against HIV/AIDS is about justice, equity, and shared responsibility. Governments, NGOs, faith-based organizations, and individuals must collaborate to ensure everyone has access to the care and support they need.
Ending AIDS by 2030 is an achievable goal—but only if global efforts are united under the principles of dignity, inclusion, and human rights.
The writer is a development practitioner, leading the Ecumenical Commission for Human Development. He is a certified UNAIDS Master Training for HIV and AIDS prevention, control and specialized in counseling for people living with HIV and AIDS.
