FREETOWN, Sierra Leone – 2 December 2024: UNFPA joined the National HIV/AIDS Secretariat and partners in the HIV/AIDS response to commemorate World AIDS Day 2024 under the theme “Take the Rights Path: My health, My right.” The commemoration highlighted the urgent need for a human-rights-based approach to eliminate stigma and discrimination, advocate for the right to dignity and respect for all, empower communities with accurate and unbiased knowledge, and ensure equitable access to quality HIV care and treatment.

The event highlighted the collective progress made in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Sierra Leone and globally. Bringing together government ministries, parliamentarians, members of the diplomatic corps, Donor agencies, law enforcement agencies,  UN agencies, implementing partners, persons with disability, young people , and the recipients of care, the commemoration served as  a platform for awareness raising, and  celebrating achievements such as increased access to life-saving antiretroviral treatment and prevention services, as well as the resilience and diversity of the communities most affected with HIV and AIDS. 

Globally, there has been tremendous progress in combating HIV/AIDS. In 2023, 30.7 million of the 39.9 million people living with HIV were on treatment, a remarkable increase from 7.7 million in 2010. This has contributed to a 51% reduction in AIDS-related deaths over the same period.

In Sierra Leone, over 77,000 people live with HIV, with young people, women, and key populations disproportionately affected. Encouragingly, 95% of those living with HIV know their status, and 90% are receiving treatment. However, more work is needed to address the social and structural barriers that hinder progress towards zero HIV infections.

UNFPA continues to play a critical role in the national HIV response by working with the Government and partners to strengthen prevention efforts, through integration of HIV into sexual and reproductive health (SRH)programmes, promoting condom use, and empowering young people with accurate  information and improving their access to youth-friendly SRH services.

A Call to Action

Delivering the keynote address at the event, Minister of Health Dr. Austin Demby, called for unity in the fight against HIV: “HIV is real, and we must stand united to fight it. With the right interventions, HIV can be managed. Let us reject stigma and discrimination and support those living with this condition.” 

Speaking on behalf of the UN System in Sierra Leone, , UN Resident Coordinator, Ms Seraphine Wakana, emphasized the importance of protecting women and girls’ rights: “The denial of education and information puts people at risk. There is an urgent need to invest in girls’ education and to provide comprehensive sexuality education - a critical component of HIV prevention.  Madam Wakana reiterated the UN’s commitment to supporting the HIV response and helping uphold human rights, relying on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) as a roadmap to not only uphold human rights but build a sustainable healthy future for all.

 
Ahead of the commemoration, UNFPA  Representative in Sierra Leone, Ms. Nadia Rasheed called for human rights to be at the centre of the HIV response: “The path to ending HIV is rooted in protecting human rights. When individuals have access to accurate information, safe spaces, and quality health services without fear of stigma or discrimination, they can make informed decisions about their health. This is how we end HIV” she said.

The World AIDS Day 2024 event featured a vibrant awareness march, free HIV testing services, condom distribution and exhibitions showcasing partners’ efforts in the HIV response.  

Community Engagement   

As part of the commemoration,UNFPA partnered with the youths from the Planned Parenthood Association of Sierra Leone (YAMSL) to distribute 2,000 condoms across five communities. The outreach provided HIV prevention messages including proper condom use in preventing HIV, other sexually transmitted infections, and unintended pregnancies, particularly targeting young people who are key to achieving an AIDS-free generation.

Media Contacts: Islander Kabia | Communications Unit| UNFPA Sierra Leone | ikabia@unfpa.org