It has been 43 years since the world first heard about the first cases of AIDS, and the advances have been gigantic since the first World AIDS Day. Can we put an end to the deaths now?
Two pieces of information to have more context:
At the UN, governments committed to do what is necessary to end AIDS deaths by 2030. There are 6 years left.
Since the first known case in the world, the task has been collective and titanic. It was people with HIV, their friends, family members and health teams who began the mobilization to demand answers. Since that first demand, much has been achieved.
We all know now that it is not a death sentence if treatment starts early and is consistent. There are now also a range of prevention strategies. We already understand what the virus is, how it is avoided and how it develops.
HIV and AIDS are not the same. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can be controlled with treatment until it is undetectable and untransmittable. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the long-term manifestation of the virus. Without treatment, symptoms are severe and fatal. Science sorted this out and no one should die from AIDS anymore.
A pandemic that is not over yet
These are some of the statistics that remind us that there is still work to be done.
- 740 AIDS-related deaths occurred in Jamaica, according to the UNAIDS data for 2023.
- In the Caribbean, although new cases have declined by 22%, the region still records 15,000 new infections each year.
- In Latin America and the Caribbean, 2.5 million people are living with HIV, and it is estimated that around 54,000 died from causes related to the virus in the last year. These were preventable deaths.
Together, we can put an end to stigma
People living with HIV and governments know that when it comes to HIV and AIDS, stigma is the killer. That is why actions that prioritize people’s access to HIV prevention, diagnosis and treatment are urgently needed.
With the 2030 goal approaching, it is important to intensify efforts to address the inequalities that still affect people with HIV. Inequities in access to health and information limit the impact of prevention and treatment strategies, especially in vulnerable communities. Moving towards equal access to health care is essential to reducing new infections and improving the quality of life for those living with HIV.
One, one cocoa full basket
Do you defend the rights of people with HIV? It may be because you are living with the virus, you are a health worker, or you just defend the right to life, that every human has. This day is a great opportunity to look back and see that it is possible to change the world.
It’s also time to breathe, take a break to gain strength again. Because the next six years will be very demanding.
Advocate to maintain the best treatment for all or stay in treatment if you are a PLHIV. Get tested for HIV If you haven’t done that. In either case, AHF Jamaica is there for you.
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