World AIDS Day 2023: Empowering Communities to Lead the Fight Against AIDS
GENEVA/ZIMBABWE – World AIDS Day 2023, which falls on December 1st, will be observed under the theme “Let communities lead”, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), communities, and partners. This year’s theme aims to underscore the critical role played by communities living with and affected by HIV, as well as key populations and youth leaders, in advancing the HIV response.
Communities around the world have been at the forefront of the fight against HIV, providing vital prevention, testing, and treatment support services. Their significant contributions have been essential in making progress in combating the epidemic.
Recognizing the invaluable work and leadership exhibited by communities, WHO celebrates their efforts on World AIDS Day 2023. The day will be marked by a special commemoration event in Geneva, Switzerland. The event will include an opening and candlelight ceremony, where representatives from diverse communities impacted by HIV will come together to remember the lives lost to AIDS.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO Director-General, will deliver a special message on World AIDS Day, highlighting the importance of community leadership in ending AIDS. The event will also feature presentations showcasing the significant public health milestones achieved in the fight against HIV and AIDS.
The commemoration event will also include a video presentation documenting the vital role played by communities in leading the response to HIV. The voices of community representatives will further emphasize the impact of their involvement in shaping HIV programs and policies.
Dr. Jรฉrรดme Salomon, Assistant Director-General for Universal Health Coverage/Communicable and Noncommunicable Diseases, will conduct a field visit to Checkpoint Genรจve. This community-led initiative enables crucial populations to access HIV services, showcasing the power of community involvement in addressing healthcare needs.
In Zimbabwe, the WHO Regional Office for Africa will join UNAIDS Executive Director, Winnie Byanyima, and government officials to honor the lives lost to AIDS. They will also visit a community-led initiative that provides support and care services to key populations affected by HIV.
Following the activities in Zimbabwe, the focus will shift to ICASA, the largest HIV conference in Africa. WHO will take a leading role in the conference, with satellite sessions and engagement activities specifically tailored towards communities affected by HIV. This platform will emphasize the importance of community participation and empowerment in achieving the goal of ending AIDS.
As World AIDS Day 2023 draws closer, the global community is reminded of the crucial role played by communities in driving progress in the HIV response. Their resilience, compassion, and determination serve as a beacon of hope towards a future free from the burden of AIDS.
“Social media scholar. Reader. Zombieaholic. Hardcore music maven. Web fanatic. Coffee practitioner. Explorer.”