WORLD: All around the globe, World AIDS day 2021 celebrations are ongoing under the theme; End Inequality, end AIDS, end pandemics.
December 1, is prominent for the world AIDS day celebrations. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a chronic, potentially life-threatening health condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that interferes with the body’s ability to fight infections.
Today, the world is off track from delivering on the shared commitment to end AIDS by 2030, not because of a lack of knowledge or tools to beat AIDS, but because of structural inequalities that obstruct proven solutions to HIV prevention and treatment.
The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) an innovative joint venture of the United Nations family which brings together the efforts and resources of 11 UN system organizations to unite the world against AIDS, has in a statement highlighted the urgent need to end the inequalities that drive AIDS and other pandemics around the world.
“Without bold action against inequalities, the world risks missing the targets to end AIDS by 2030, as well as a prolonged COVID-19 pandemic and a spiraling social and economic crisis,” read the UNAIDS statement in part.
As a matter of firmness, economic, social, cultural, and legal inequalities must be ended if the target to end AIDS by 2030 is to be met.
UNAIDS Executive Director, Winnie Byanyima in solidarity with all individuals around the world, confronts the impact of colliding pandemics.
In a press statement, Byanyima urged leaders all around the world to tackle inequalities to end AIDS by 2030. “If we take on the inequalities that hold back progress, we can deliver on the promise to end AIDS by 2030,” said Byanyima, emphasizing that it is in our hands.
To close the inequality gaps and end AIDS, UNAIDS Executive Director Byanyima suggested the need for policies to ensure fair and affordable access to science, quick distribution of every new technology to everyone who needs it.
Byanyima also pointed out the need to protect our health workers and expand their numbers to meet urgent needs. “We must protect human rights and build trust in health systems,” she added.
UNAIDS ED Byanyima further requested world leaders to work together and match their words with deeds to urgently tackle these challenges head-on, noting that we don’t have time.
“Every minute that passes, we are losing a precious life to AIDS, we don’t have time,” she remarked.