Today Africa joins the world in observing World Aids Day

Today Africa joins the world in observing World Aids Day. We stand in solidarity with the 78 million people who have become infected with HIV and remember the 35 million who have died from Aids-related illnesses since the first cases of HIV were reported. World Aids Day also reminds us that more work needs to be done to combat the disease. The day also recognises the efforts of governments, civic organizations, corporates ‎and individuals involved in the fight against Aids.

The theme of this year’s campaign is Hands up for HIV Prevention.

In a statement to commemorate the day, Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations said, the world remains committed to ending the Aids epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals.

HIV prevention drug, Truvada Photo: pbs

“We are seeing that countries are getting on the Fast-Track—more than 18 million people are on life-saving HIV treatment and country after country is on track to virtually eliminate HIV transmission from mother to child,” the statement says.

“We are winning against the AIDS epidemic, but we are not seeing progress everywhere. The number of new HIV infections is not declining among adults, with young women particularly at risk of becoming infected with HIV,” Sidibé added.

Rebecca Awiti of Kenya, on @UN stage with her triplets, shows how kids can be born HIV-free to HIV-positive mothers. #WorldAIDSDay #EndAIDS pic.twitter.com/UVGvRQq53a

— Global Goals (@GlobalGoalsUN) November 30, 2016

There are numerous risks for girls in sub-Saharan Africa, and the transition to adulthood is identified as a particularly dangerous time. According to the UN, young women are facing a triple threat: a high risk of HIV infection, low rates of HIV testing and poor adherence to HIV treatment.

Aids is still a global pandemic. It is concerning to note that stigma remains an issue across the world and there is need to raise awareness to help destigmatise HIV/Aids. There is also need to continue encouraging testing and educating people on HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

An estimated 37 million people are now living with HIV around the world and more than two-thirds (70 percent) of all people living with HIV, 25.8 million, live in sub-Saharan Africa

Today Africa joins the rest of the world to observe efforts to end the disease, and the day is dedicated to raising awareness, and mobilising efforts against Aids.

While we commend the significant efforts made by various African countries to strengthen efforts to end Aids, we also note that more needs to be done to raise awareness and prevent the spread of the disease, as well as providing support to people living with HIV.