This year’s World AIDS Day, which is celebrated around the world on December 1, will be held under the motto “Leadership by Communities”. In this way, UNAIDS seeks to recognize the role of communities in the fight against HIV and AIDS.
UNAIDS believes that communities lack leadership. Lack of funding, political and regulatory constraints, reduced activity due to lack of resources, and infringement of civil and human rights in marginalized communities all impede the successful delivery and uptake of HIV prevention and treatment services. If these obstacles are removed, community-based organizations will be able to provide even greater momentum to the global HIV response, contributing to the end of AIDS.
“The world can end AIDS if communities lead the fight,” UNAIDS said in a press release. “Community-based organizations living with, affected by, or at risk of HIV are at the forefront of the response. Communities link people to person-centered health services, build trust, innovate, monitor policy and service delivery, and hold service providers accountable.”
“Let Communities Lead” will be the motto of the activities that will begin this November and will be the precursor to the World AIDS Day report of the same name, which will be published in late November. The campaign will culminate on December 1, and will continue to be heard for a long time to come.
World AIDS Day is more than just a day to celebrate social achievements. It is a call to action to empower communities and help them lead the fight. In 2023, World AIDS Day should emphasize that the following is needed to realize the full leadership potential of communities on the ground in the AIDS response:
- Community leadership must be enshrined in all HIV plans and programs, as well as in the design, budgeting, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of such plans and programs. “Nothing for us without us”.
- The leadership role of communities must be fully and securely funded and supported in every way possible to ensure the necessary scale-up of the HIV response. “It costs more to keep the AIDS epidemic going than to end it.
- All obstacles that prevent communities from playing a leading role in this process must be removed. A supportive legal and regulatory environment is needed to intensify the global HIV response, which will help communities play a greater role in the provision of HIV-related services, promote the establishment of civil society and protect the rights of all, including marginalized groups. “Repeal laws that harm, enact laws that empower”.
- Communities are leading the way on World AIDS Day around the world, organizing events and making informed calls to address their urgent needs. Through photos and videos shared by organizations on social media and compiled by UNAIDS, people will be able to get a sense of the kaleidoscope of events taking place, be inspired by determination and hope, and hear concrete calls to action on the ground.
“The end of AIDS is possible, it is within our grasp” says UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima. “To follow the path that ends AIDS, the world needs to let communities lead.”
Materials adapted for World AIDS Day will be published on a special UNAIDS page dedicated to World AIDS Day starting in October.