For 35 years now, every December 1 has been marked as World AIDS Day worldwide, symbolizing the ongoing global fight against HIV and AIDS
This year’s theme, ‘Let communities lead,’ emphasizes the importance of involving communities in the battle against HIV.
In Kenya, the Health Cabinet Secretary, Susan Nakhumicha, will oversee the commemoration event in Meru County.
The country first encountered AIDS 38 years ago, and over 2 million lives have been lost to AIDS-related deaths since then.
The recent 7th Maisha Conference on August 30, 2023, organized by the National Syndemic Disease Control Council (NSDCC), revealed that Kenya has a population of 1.4 million individuals living with HIV, with 98% of them undergoing antiretroviral treatment.
World AIDS Day serves as a global reminder of the ongoing fight against HIV-related stigma, a moment to honor those lost to the epidemic, and a call to commit to a future where HIV is no longer a public health threat.
Initiated in 1988, the World AIDS Day has played a crucial role in raising awareness about HIV and AIDS.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), significant progress has been made, thanks to advancements in medical research, improved access to treatment and prevention, and a better understanding of the virus.
However, despite these advancements, HIV remains a major global public health concern.
WHO reports that 40.4 million lives have been claimed by the virus, with ongoing transmission reported worldwide.
In 2022, 630,000 people died from HIV-related causes, and 1.3 million acquired HIV.
By 2025, WHO aims to ensure that 95% of all people living with HIV have a diagnosis, receive lifesaving Antiretroviral Treatment (ART), and achieve a suppressed viral load.
According to the joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), 29.8 million people globally were receiving HIV treatment in 2022, constituting 76% of the 39.0 million people living with HIV.
Progress has also been seen in preventing mother-to-child transmission, with 82% of pregnant women living with HIV receiving antiretrovirals (ARVs) in 2022.
Despite these advancements, HIV remains a critical public health issue globally.
Approximately 9.2 million people lack access to necessary HIV treatment, resulting in 1,700 lives lost daily and 3,500 new infections.
WHO aims to eliminate AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, striving to achieve the 95-95-95 targets: 95% of people knowing their status, 95% diagnosed receiving ART, and 95% on treatment achieving suppressed viral loads.
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