This annual event serves as a reminder of the global struggle to end HIV-related stigma, an opportunity to honor those we have lost, and a rallying cry to commit to working toward a day when HIV is no longer a public health threat. World AIDS Day is a time to stand up for those impacted by HIV, past and present, and call for a better future.
UN Secretary-General
AIDS still takes a life every minute. We can and must end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
Reaching this goal means heeding this year’s theme: “Let Communities Lead.”
The path to ending AIDS runs through communities. From connecting people to the treatment, services, and support they need — to grassroots activism pushing for action so all people can realize their right to health.
Supporting those on the frontlines of the battle against AIDS is how we win. That means placing community leadership at the center of HIV plans, programs, budgets, and monitoring efforts.
We must also remove barriers to community leadership, and ensure space for local civil society groups to take forward their vital work.
AIDS is beatable. Let’s finish the job by supporting communities to end this scourge in their neighborhoods, their countries, and around the world.
For the full message: https://www.unaids.org/en/resources/presscentre/pressreleaseandstatementarchive/2023/november/2023-wad-unsg-message
UNAIDS Executive Director, Winnie Byanyima.
The world can end AIDS, with communities leading the way. Organizations of communities living with, at risk of, or affected by HIV are the frontline of progress in the HIV response.
This World AIDS Day is more than a celebration of the achievements of communities; it is a call to action to enable and support communities in their leadership roles.
Communities are leading World AIDS Day, and across the world are shaping the events and tailoring the detailed calls to their specific needs. Through photos and videos shared by groups on social media and aggregated by UNAIDS, people will be able to witness the kaleidoscope of events taking place, be inspired by determination and hope, and hear communities’ calls for action.
“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.”
For the full message: https://www.unaids.org/en/2023-world-aids-day
The Director General, Uganda AIDS Commission – Dr. Nelson Musoba
Uganda will be commemorating World AIDS Day on December 1, 2023, under the theme Ending AIDS by 2030. Keeping Communities at the Centre, a day when the world stands in solidarity with those who are living with HIV/AIDS.
According to Dr. Musoba, the country has made significant progress in the fight against HIV and AIDS by bringing down HIV prevalence from 18% in the 80s to 5.2%, adding that, new infections have reduced to 52,000 annually from 94,000 while AIDS-related deaths have reduced to 17,000 annually.
He said that in HIV Testing Services, there was a 14.3 increase in the number of individuals tested among the general population from 5,998,431 in FY 2020/21 to 6,860,533 in FY 2022/23, and a total of 98% of the estimated 1,433,337 People Living with HIV (PLHIV) as of December 2022, were enrolled on ART as of June 2023 which is 1,403,603.
He noted that currently, there is no ministry, department, or agency that does not mainstream HIV and AIDS in its activities. He added that, the President of Uganda has continued to consistently talk about raising awareness, spreading HIV prevention messages, and fighting the virus.
For the full message: https://nexusmedia.ug/uganda-to-commemorate-world-aids-day-with-significant-progress-in-fighting-hiv-aids/
As the MUST Community we can take the lead by:
– Wearing a red ribbon to show solidarity with people living with HIV (will be availed)
– Participating in the national Commemorations in Rakai district in Kibaale town council at Kibaale Play Ground, the district Commemorations will be in Nyamityobora grounds, Mbarara City.
– Recommitting to the fight by preventing infection, protecting yourself and others, supporting others, etc.
– Raising Awareness
– Saying a prayer for all those impacted by HIV
The words by Philly Bongoley Lutaaya should remind us of our commitment to the fight
Alone and Frightened Lyrics
- Out there somewhere
Alone and frightened
Of the darkness
The days are long
Life is hiding
No more making new contacts
No more loving arms
Thrown around my neckTake my hand now
I’m tired and lonely
Give me love
Give me hope
Don’t desert me
Don’t reject me - All I need is love and understanding
Chorus
Today it’s me
Tomorrow someone else
It’s me and you
We’ve got to stand up and fight
We’ll shed light in the fight against AIDS
Let’s come on out
Let’s stand together and fight AIDS
In times of joy
In times of sorrow
Let’s take a stand and fight on to the end
With open hearts
Let’s stand out and speak out to the world
We’ll save some lives
Save the children of the world
2. Let’s be open
Advise the young ones
A new generation
To protect and love
Hear them singing
Playing, laughing
Let’s give them everything
In truth and love
Take the message
Cross the frontiers
Break the barriers
We’ll fight together
The doors are open
We’ll lead the struggle
We won’t bow down
In defeat, we´ll fight on
Today it’s me
Tomorrow someone else
It’s me and you
We’ve got to stand up and fight
We’ll shed light in the fight against AIDS
Let’s come on out
Let’s stand together and fight AIDS
In times of joy
In times of sorrow
Let’s take a stand and fight to the end
With open hearts
Let’s stand out and speak out to the world
We’ll save some lives
Save the children of the world