Jakarta, goldensamoyed Indonesia
—
Every December 1, the world pauses to remember, reflect and move together.
World AIDS Day
not just an annual commemoration, but a global momentum to reaffirm the commitment to fight HIV/AIDS.
This year, the theme raised is “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response” or “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response”.
Launch the official page
WHO
, this theme does not appear without reason.After decades of progress, efforts to combat HIV are now at a crossroads.
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In many countries, life-saving services are being disrupted, funding is decreasing, and vulnerable groups are facing increasing risks.However, amidst these challenges, hope continues to grow through community resilience and health service innovation.
HIV in the vortex of new challenges
WHO notes that around 40.8 million people are living with HIV worldwide.In the Eastern Mediterranean region alone, around 610,000 people are living with HIV, and the number of new infections has almost doubled in a decade, from 37,000 cases in 2016 to 72,000 in 2024.
Ironically, less than four in ten people know their status, and less than a third receive treatment.
Reduced funding, conflict, and increasingly marginalized community-based services mean the HIV response is under enormous pressure.In fact, with current treatment developments, HIV can become a chronic disease that can be managed effectively if services remain strong and sustainable.
“Governments must raise public awareness, strengthen service integration and adopt innovative approaches,” said WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, Hanan Balkhy.
WHO also emphasizes the importance of overcoming stigma, discrimination and structural barriers that are still stumbling blocks in HIV prevention and treatment.
Operations in 50 countries, but challenges remain huge
This year, the commemoration of World AIDS Day also marks a major achievement for the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), which now operates in 50 countries.This organization has reached 2.7 million people through HIV care services.
However, according to AHF President Michael Weinstein, the world cannot be complacent because HIV/Aids is still a global challenge.
“The global health system is facing a crisis. Many patients are not surviving treatment, while sexually transmitted diseases are increasing,” he said.
AHF emphasized that stigma, discrimination and high drug prices are still big challenges.In many regions, women and girls are the groups most affected.
On the other hand, global funding for HIV is considered to continue to decline, threatening the sustainability of various vital programs.
This year, World AIDS Day is again an important platform to highlight that the fight is not over.There are still many people who have difficulty accessing HIV testing, prevention services, and antiretroviral therapy.
Social stigma and laws that punish certain groups make many people choose to remain silent.
AHF global advocate Terri Ford warned that “without affordable access to prevention, diagnosis and treatment, we will lose momentum.”
He emphasized the need for government and community collaboration to ensure HIV services reach everyone without exception.
(tis/tis)
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