The fight against HIV/AIDS in the Democratic Republic of Congo: a fight for rights and dignity
At the heart of the commemoration of World AIDS Day in the Democratic Republic of Congo are crucial issues related to the protection of rights and the fight against stigma. While significant progress has been made in the care of people living with HIV, persistent challenges hinder universal access to antiretroviral treatment and reinforce the barriers to a normal and fulfilling life for those affected by the disease.
It is alarming to note that of the 520,000 people infected with HIV in the DRC, only 400,000 have access to antiretroviral treatment. The lack of information and the stigmatization of HIV-positive people are determining factors in the refusal of a large number of patients to follow their treatment. This reality raises profound questions about the need to promote a culture of respect for human rights and to put an end to the discrimination that hinders the fight against HIV/AIDS.
The National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) is committed with determination alongside national and international partners to guarantee access to quality care and to strengthen the fight against stigma. Véronique Ngongo, National Commissioner of the CNDH in charge of people living with HIV/AIDS and other vulnerable groups, calls for collective mobilization to promote the rights of people living with HIV, emphasizing that respect for fundamental rights is an essential pillar in the fight against the pandemic.
It is imperative to recognize that the fight against HIV/AIDS cannot be won without a comprehensive approach that integrates the protection of rights, the fight against stigma and the promotion of equality. Statistics revealing that the majority of people infected with HIV in the DRC are women underscore the importance of developing specific programs to ensure access to treatment and support women’s rights in their fight against the disease.
In conclusion, it is necessary to redouble efforts to raise awareness, to fight against discrimination and to promote a culture of respect and inclusion towards people living with HIV/AIDS. The dignity, rights and health of each individual must be placed at the heart of strategies to fight the pandemic. By walking together towards a more just and equitable society, we are laying the foundations for a future where stigma and illness will no longer be obstacles to a life full of dignity and respect for all.
A complement of image that every great journalist seeks could be inspired by the authenticity of people capturing an elusive moment on the ground against AIDS in the DRC.