World AIDS Day, celebrated every year on 1 December, is a key opportunity to raise awareness of the disease and to intensify efforts to prevent and eradicate it. This year’s theme, “On the Path to Rights,” highlights the importance of human rights in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
In the run-up to the day, a national awareness campaign will begin on 7 December. Its objective is to raise awareness of the reality of HIV/AIDS and to promote concrete actions to prevent and combat the disease.
Dr. Aimé Mboyo, Director of the National Multisectoral AIDS Control Programme (PNMLS), highlights the main priorities of his programme. In addition to strengthening prevention, he highlights the need to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B. Improving care for children infected with HIV and combating stigma and discrimination also remain key objectives to be achieved.
This World Day is an opportunity for health authorities, health sector organizations and civil society to redouble their efforts to achieve the objectives set for prevention, treatment and combating stigma. United in the fight against AIDS, it is essential to continue to raise awareness, educate and support those affected by this disease, while promoting a comprehensive approach based on respect for human rights.
On this World AIDS Day, let us commit to continuing our actions for a world without HIV, where the health and rights of all are respected. Let us stand together in this fight, because together, we are stronger to end this disease.