HIV – AIDS
World Aids Day 2023 - Let communities lead
"On December 1, World AIDS Day is a call to action to enable and support communities in these efforts. A conducive regulatory environment is needed to facilitate the role of communities in delivering HIV services and to ensure an equitable and rights-based health approach. In the region (LAC), around 2.5 million people are living with HIV. In 2022, approximately 130,000 people acquired the virus, and 33,000 lost their lives due to AIDS-related causes. The number of new infections among key populations (gay and bisexual men, men who have sex with men, sex workers, transgender individuals, drug users, and people in prisons) is significantly higher than among the general population." (PAHO/WHO)
AIDS and Focus on equality
Inequalities still persist for the most basic services like testing and treatment. We must ensure that everyone, everywhere has equal access to HIV prevention, testing, treatment and care. Health services should be adapted to reach and meet the needs of populations most at risk and affected, and this includes implementing a ‘zero tolerance’ policy to stigma and discrimination in all health services. (WHO)
