Title: World AIDS Day 2023: “Let Communities Lead” in the Global Fight Against HIV
December 1st, 2023 – On this World AIDS Day, communities across the globe are coming together under the theme “Let communities lead” to commemorate the progress made in the fight against HIV. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, communities living with, and affected by, HIV have played a crucial role in providing vital prevention, testing, and treatment support services.
The theme for World AIDS Day 2023 underscores the significance of enabling and supporting communities in their leadership roles. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes and celebrates the invaluable contributions made by communities in leading the response to HIV, acknowledging that their involvement is pivotal to the success of global efforts.
In Geneva, a commemoration event will be held at the Red Ribbon Café in UNAIDS, featuring influential speeches by Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, and Dr. Jérôme Salomon. This event aims to increase awareness and highlight the ongoing efforts to combat HIV.
During the event, a video will be presented, emphasizing the critical role of communities in the HIV response. Community representatives will share their voices, providing firsthand accounts of their experiences and the impact of their work in tackling HIV.
To showcase how key populations can access HIV services, a field visit to Checkpoint Genève, a community-led initiative, will be organized. This visit aims to demonstrate the effectiveness and importance of community-led initiatives in reaching vulnerable populations and providing them with the necessary support.
In Zimbabwe, the WHO Regional Office for Africa will join forces with UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima to commemorate lives lost to AIDS. This solemn event will pay tribute to those who have succumbed to the disease, while also raising awareness about the importance of continued efforts to prevent new infections and improve access to treatment.
Following these commemorations, the 22nd edition of the International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA) will take place in Harare, Zimbabwe. This conference, the largest HIV conference in Africa, will be the platform for discussions and presentations on the latest advancements in HIV prevention, care, and treatment. WHO will play a leading role in the event, participating in the opening ceremony and organizing satellite sessions to share their expertise and knowledge.
World AIDS Day 2023 presents an opportunity to reflect on the progress made in the fight against HIV and the pivotal role of communities in this ongoing battle. By empowering communities and supporting their leadership, we can continue to make strides towards achieving a world free of HIV/AIDS.
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