The government of Sierra Leone through the National HIV/AIDS Secretariat under the supervision of the Ministry of Health in collaboration with its partners on Monday 2^nd December 2024 join the World to celebrate World AIDS Day on the theme: “Take The Right Path, My Health My Right”.

The event was held at the Miatta Conference Centre Brookfield West of Freetown.

In his opening remarks, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Andrew Sorie, expressed satisfaction for enhancing healthcare access for all. He noted that the nation stands together not only to remember those lost to this AIDS but also to affirm the belief that health is a fundamental human right.  He emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in the fight against HIV/AIDS, noting that collective responsibility will ensure everyone has the right to the healthcare they deserve.

In her good will message the Country Program Director of AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Sierra Leone, Madam Miatta J. Kaisamba, highlighted the unwavering commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS. She noted that the theme: “Take the Right Part in Ending HIV/AIDS” serves as a call to prioritize the human rights to health, advocate for equity in access to care, and stand united in solidarity with the million living with HIV/AIDS around the globe.

She recalled that over 40 years they celebrate the significant progress Sierra Leone has made in combating HIV/AIDS. “Ending HIV/AIDS is not just a public health challenge, it is a fight for justice, equity, and the dignity of every person affected by the disease,” she added.  She called for access to universal treatment, prevention through education, fighting stigma and sustainability of resources.

Representative for the Network of HIV Positives in Sierra Leone (NETHIPS) Mary B. Ahmed, shared her personal journey and the ongoing challenges faced by those similarly affected.  She said every day health is a battle and therefore called for the need to dismantle the stigma that often shrouds our communities. She added that as PLHIV their rights must be recognized and they should not be defined by their status. She called for the vital need for policy changes and community support systems.

United Nations Resident Coordinator in Sierra Leone, Seraphine Wakana reinforced that upholding the human rights of all people living with or at risk of HIV is vital for ending AIDS by 2030. She said it is a call to action for all HIV stakeholders to appreciate and uphold human rights as key to accelerating progress towards ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

The UN Resident Coordinator highlighted that the world has made enormous progress in reducing the impact of HIV over the last 15 years. Adding that globally, of the approximately 39.9 million people living with HIV, a total of 30.7 million people-77% of those living with HIV were on treatment in 2023, up from just 7.7 million in 2010. “This has resulted in a dramatic decline in AIDS-related deaths, down by 51% over the same period, Sierra Leone has made progress in responding to HIV. Of the 77,000 people living with HIV, 95 know their status and 90 % are on treatment,” she declared.

She concluded that ending HIV as a public heath by 2030 requires governments to act with urgency by committing to stronger political leadership, increase domestic financing for HIV response and create enabling legal and policy environment to implement programs on a scale. She thanked the Government of Sierra Leone leadership and support from all partners, PEPFAR, Global Fund, AHF and bilateral partners, International Organizations, the civil societies, People Living with HIV, communities in their diversity.

The United States Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Amb Bryan David Hunt, highlighted the critical role of international partnerships in the fight against HIV/AIDS. He mentioned that the United States is committed to supporting Sierra Leone’s health initiatives, ensuring that no one is left behind. “Together, we can create a future where every person is empowered to take charge of their health,” he said, emphasizing the importance of global collaboration.

Amb Hunt said it is a privilege to join everyone to commemorate World AIDS Day 2024. He said the day also provides an opportunity to celebrate new and effective programs and policies that address the challenges of HIV/AIDS across all sectors - particularly those that help identify, understand, and reach impacted communities.

He emphasized that the U.S. Government remains committed to ensuring that human rights protections are respected and that people living with and at risk of HIV can access the services they need without fear of discrimination or abuse. He added that it is only then we can achieve an HIV-free future.

In his keynote address, the Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, said the day is to reflect, raise awareness, and stand together in solidarity with those living with HIV and those we have lost to the disease. He noted that it is assumed that the history of HIV is already more than 100 years old and though the first discovery of the HIV virus in human beings dates back to 1959, the virus still instills fears and prejudices in many.

He said with about 40 million people affected by the virus worldwide and more than 1.3 million new infections in 2023, the pandemic of HIV/AIDS is far from over. He added that a lot has been achieved in the past years and decades. “With advanced testing methods, individuals can learn about their status fast and anonymously, knowing one's status is a fundamental pre-condition for the avoidance of the further spread of the virus only people knowing their status and handling that knowledge responsibly can effectively take precautions in order not to pass the virus over to others,” Dr Demby Added.

Dr Demby emphasized that research into effective medication has yielded enormous results while the virus cannot be eradicated, its spread and effects can effectively be suppressed. He further expressed that under the condition that affected persons receive the right medication in time, they can live a normal life, be respected and productive members of society, take responsibility and care for families and friends.

He pointed out that Sierra Leone has made significant progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS: Since 2010, the prevalence of AIDS could be reduced by an estimated 39%. He said this figure is even exceeded by the decline of the number of HIV- related deaths - which have reduced by 48% during the same period.

He called for support to the government in improving prospects for vulnerable population groups. He said the reduction of Sexual and Gender-based violence, the elimination of prejudices against people affected by HIV and the advancement of family planning remain essential objectives.