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World AIDS Day: A call for action

On December 1, the world pauses to observe World AIDS Day—a day of reflection, remembrance, and renewal in the fight against one of the deadliest pandemics in history. For me, this day is more than a date on the calendar. It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come and how much work remains.

Despite medical breakthroughs, education campaigns, and billions in funding, AIDS still claims lives and upends communities worldwide. The numbers are staggering—more than 32 million people have died from AIDS-related illnesses, and millions more live with the daily reality of HIV. The progress we’ve made is undeniable, yet the persistent inequalities and stigma surrounding this disease make it clear: we are not doing enough.

I believe that World AIDS Day should ignite a sense of urgency. The theme for 2024, “Collective Action: Sustain and Accelerate HIV Progress,” reflects a truth that cannot be ignored. Ending AIDS as a public health threat requires global solidarity. It is not just about governments, healthcare providers, or activists; it’s about every one of us recognizing our role in creating an equitable world.

Let’s start with education. Knowledge is our first line of defense, yet misinformation about HIV persists. Many still fear casual contact with HIV-positive individuals, perpetuating unnecessary stigma. This ignorance doesn’t just hurt those living with HIV; it weakens our collective ability to combat the disease. I believe that comprehensive, stigma-free education about HIV should be a universal priority, especially for young people who are disproportionately affected.

Prevention is another critical area where action is needed. Tools like condoms, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and antiretroviral therapies have proven effective, yet they remain out of reach for many due to cost, availability, or lack of awareness. For me, this raises uncomfortable questions: Why, in a world of unprecedented technological and medical advancements, are these life-saving measures not universally accessible?

The answer lies in inequality. Marginalized communities—whether due to poverty, race, gender identity, or sexual orientation—are hit hardest by HIV. For instance, in the U.S., Black and Latino communities face higher rates of infection but have less access to prevention and care. Globally, young women and girls in sub-Saharan Africa bear the brunt of the epidemic. This disparity isn’t just a health issue; it’s a social justice crisis.

Treatment, too, tells a story of inequality. Antiretroviral therapies (ART) have transformed HIV from a death sentence to a manageable condition. Yet, millions of people, especially in low-income countries, still lack consistent access to these drugs. This is unacceptable. No one should die from a treatable disease simply because they were born in the wrong part of the world.

On a personal level, what strikes me most about World AIDS Day is its reminder of human resilience. Stories of individuals and communities rising above stigma and adversity are inspiring. They show that the fight against AIDS is not just about medicine or policy; it’s about humanity.

However, inspiration alone is not enough. We need action—action to fund prevention and treatment programs, to dismantle stigma, and to prioritize marginalized voices in the global HIV response. As UNAIDS, the CDC, and countless organizations emphasize, the goal of ending AIDS by 2030 is within reach. But reaching it requires a commitment to collective action that transcends borders, politics, and prejudice.

So, as we observe World AIDS Day, let us remember the lives lost, celebrate the progress made, and recommit to the fight ahead. For me, this isn’t just a global health issue; it’s a moral imperative. Ending AIDS is not just possible—it’s necessary. Let’s act like it.





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