World AIDS Day: It’s Not Over, AHF Tells World Leaders, Health Institutions

In commemoration of World AIDS 2022, Global AIDS organization, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) with the theme “It’s Not Over” has reminded world leaders, global public health institutions, and civil society that much work remains if the AIDS epidemic must end.

In a press statement made available to LEADERSHIP, it said reports indicate that the world is worryingly off-track in reducing new infection and mortality rates – which means we all must redouble our efforts because millions of lives hang in the balance.

“We were glad to see the resiliency of HIV programs worldwide during and after the pandemic. However, the latest UNAIDS data shows that the global HIV/AIDS response needs reinvigorating, making our ‘It’s Not Over’ theme even more relevant for this year’s World AIDS Day,” said Terri Ford, AHF Chief of Global Advocacy and Policy. “We’re calling on stakeholders and advocates in all countries to intensify HIV prevention, testing, and treatment efforts worldwide to slow the rapidly rising new HIV infection rates and protect the precious gains we’ve made. We’ve come too far in fighting HIV/AIDS to let decades of progress slip away now.”

“UNAIDS reported 1.5 million new HIV infections last year—1 million more than the global target of 500,000—and an estimated 650,000 deaths from AIDS-related illnesses, which is why AHF is urging the world to re-light the fire in the HIV/AIDS fight by putting an increased focus on Test & Treat and addressing late HIV presentation, aspects noticeably absent from the report.

“AHF has planned diverse live and virtual commemorative events throughout its 45 country teams to pay tribute to all who have lost their lives to AIDS-related illnesses and honor those who continue the fight. Advocates will also seek to refocus the world’s attention on HIV/AIDS and the people globally living with or affected by HIV.

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In Nigeria, AHF Nigeria is collaboration with Association of Positive Youths in Nigeria (APYIN) and Positive Access for Treatment Access (PATA) to host a youth dialogue to get stakeholders in the HIV/AIDS corridor engage young people on the peculiar challenges they face as young people. UNAIDS is graciously providing technical support for this effort while event would see representatives from PEPFAR Nigeria, UNICEF, Network of People Living with HIV in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), UNFPA and other stakeholders.

Country Program Director, AHF Nigeria, Dr. Echey Ijezie, said “The avenue to provide a platform for young people to warehouse and present their issues while engaging stakeholders is one at which we felt is crucial in line with the global theme of: Equalize and AHF campaign theme of: “It’s Not Over” said  “These themes reinforce the need for stakeholders to work hard and moderate the impact of  existing gaps that address inequalities and help end AIDS” he said.

According to the most recent UNAIDS statistics, over 38 million people are living with HIV/AIDS worldwide, and more than 40 million people have died from AIDS-related illnesses since the start of the HIV epidemic. While millions of people today are accessing lifesaving antiretroviral therapy – millions more still desperately need it.

AHF Africa Bureau Chief Dr. Penninah Iutung said, “While the HIV response in parts of Africa has held strong through the adversity brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, new HIV infections are rising in others, and young women and girls remain disproportionately affected, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.

“Through initiatives like our ‘Protect the Child’ campaign, we’re making HIV prevention a priority by educating youth on age-appropriate Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) across all our country programs. This, coupled with the successful Girls Act program and our Test & Treat efforts Bureau-wide, is keeping HIV/AIDS at the forefront of public health in Africa. We call on African leaders to do the same.”