World AIDS Day

Stigma and discrimination still shroud AIDS, discouraging individuals from seeking testing, treatment

World AIDS Day serves as a poignant reminder of the global battle against the deadly disease. Over the past decades, significant progress has been made in understanding, treating and preventing AIDS. But the battle is far from over. Millions of lives are still affected, and the disparities in access to care persist.

The exponential increase in the number of people on antiretroviral treatment from 2010 to 2022 is a testament to the dedication of individuals, organisations and governments worldwide. However, the stark reality is that progress has not outpaced the relentless march of AIDS. The fact that, in 2022, every minute AIDS claimed a life is a stark reminder that our battle is far from won. Pakistan faces its own set of challenges which are multifaceted. Stigma and discrimination still shroud AIDS, discouraging individuals from seeking testing and treatment. Socio-economic factors, including poverty and lack of education, continue to fuel the spread of the virus. Access to healthcare and treatment remains a privilege rather than a universal right. The aspiration to end AIDS as an epidemic by the close of this decade, a goal enshrined in the Sustainable Development Agenda, demands urgent and intensified action. To bridge this gap and accelerate progress, a renewed global commitment is imperative. Targeted interventions are needed for high-risk populations, including sex workers, injecting drug users and men who have sex with men.

Governments must prioritise policies that address social determinants of HIV transmission, ensuring that vulnerable communities receive the support they need. Pakistan must champion policies that jointly do both – protect the rights of individuals living with AIDS and address the social determinants that contribute to the virus’s spread. Additionally, investment in education and awareness campaigns is equally pivotal to dispel myths and reduce stigma. The progress made in the past decade demonstrates that change is possible. As we move forward, we must learn from successes, adapt strategies and collaborate across borders to create a more equitable and accessible global healthcare landscape. Sharing best practices, resources and expertise can amplify the impact of national efforts and contribute to a more coordinated and effective response.

On this World AIDS Day, let us confront these challenges with renewed vigour, mindful of the lives at stake and the urgency of our mission. This fight is more than just a fight against a virus. It is a fight for the right to health and dignity for all, and a world where no one is left behind in the struggle against AIDS.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 1^st, 2023.

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