WORLD AIDS DAY
[1st December 2024]
“Ignorance and prejudice are fuelling the spread of a preventable disease. World AIDS Day, 1 December, is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV and AIDS. It’s up to you, me and us to stop the spread of HIV and end prejudice.
Introduction
Veritas joins the world in commemorating the World AIDS Day. Every year on the 1st of December we commemorate World AIDS Day. It is a day dedicated to raising awareness, remembering the deceased, a call for action in the national response to HIV and AIDS and celebrating successes which have been achieved in HIV prevention and management services. The day was first observed as World AIDS Day in 1988, since then the day has moved from being celebrated on a single day to a campaign which runs throughout the year. The world can end HIV and AIDS – if everyone’s rights are protected fully.
“Take the rights path”
This year's UN theme is "Take the rights path”. The theme draws our attention to significant advances made in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Guaranteeing the rights of citizens is a key step towards attaining sustainable goal number 3 which aims to “ensure healthy lives and promote well being for all at all ages”. Protection of human rights is both a moral and legal responsibility of every government and all citizens. People living with and affected by HIV are vulnerable people whose rights should be protected and guaranteed by the State. People living with HIV are often stigmatised in society in a wide range of community contexts. Stigma enhances discrimination and violates fundamental human rights to fair and equal treatment and, as such, risks the health and developmental rights of these people. Advancing the collective path in the human rights based approach to HIV and AIDS is a step forward in protecting people living with HIV and AIDS.
HIV AIDS and Human Rights
The path that leads to the end of HIV and AIDS is a human rights based path. Zimbabwe is party to regional and international human rights treaties that safeguard the rights of all people, providing comprehensive protection for everyone including the rights to health care, gender equality and non-discrimination. Despite the positive strides shown made through legislation, educating and raising awareness, people living with HIV and affected populations continue to experience stigma, discrimination and human rights violations in diverse ways in Africa. The African Commission on Human and People’s rights has also taken steps to promote the health rights of women and to target the disproportionate effect of HIV and AIDS on women. Its 2001 resolution on HIV and AIDS “Threats against Human Rights and Humanity” provides that HIV and AIDS is a human rights issue and implores all States to protect the rights of people living with HIV and AIDS. States must uphold the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights fostering inclusion of all communities and ensuring sustainable development for human security.
Getting there: the Milestones
By 2030 HIV and AIDS can be eradicated as a public health threat if communities take the initiative in prioritising human rights.
Over the past 20 years Zimbabwe has made significant strides in lowering the prevalence of HIV and AIDS. In 2023 Zimbabwe reached a United Nations 95-95-95 target set by the Joint United Nations programme on HIV and AIDS: 95% of people living with HIV know their status. 93% of those people who know their status are on antiretroviral treatment, and 95% of people on treatment have suppressed viral loads. Much of this progress is because for decades the United States Agency for Development (USAID) has invested in Zimbabwe in support of those affected by HIV, and also in health workers, scientists, researchers, advocates and communities dedicated to the HIV response. Since 2006 USAID has invested about US$1.7 billion – approximately $200 million yearly. USAID has supported over 523 000 of people living with HIV in Zimbabwe through community referral facilities. It has also provided HIV services to Zimbabweans through the U.S President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS relief (PEPFAR), providing HIV testing to almost 1.25 million people and viral load testing to over 864,413 people.
Despite the notable progress made, adherence to treatment remains a challenge, especially in rural and marginalised communities where access to healthcare facilities are limited. More investment in mobile clinics and telemedicine can be a step forward in providing access to health services to all people and upholding the right to life for all.
Let’s all unite “Take the rights path”
This World AIDS Day is a call to action to protect everyone’s health by protecting and upholding everyone’s rights. Ending AIDS requires a bold human rights and inclusivity approach towards people living with HIV and AIDS, those at risk and those affected. Activism against this preventable disease starts by building strong communities through access to information. Together we can reduce the prevalence of HIV and AIDS in Zimbabwe and beyond if we reaffirm our collective efforts and commitment to solidarity, resilience and upholding human rights. And let us remember that women and girls are the most impacted by HIV and AIDS. Protect our women and girls.
