Themed ‘Let communities lead’, this year’s AIDS day seeks to involve the community in the fight against HIV.For 35 consecutive years, December 1 has been globally observed as World AIDS Day, commemorating the ongoing battle against HIV and AIDS.
In Kenya, the Cabinet Secretary for Health Susan Nakhumicha will preside over the vent in Meru County.
The first recorded case of AIDS in Kenya dates back to 38 years ago, and the nation has mourned the loss of over 2 million lives to AIDS-related deaths since then.
The 7th Maisha Conference, organized by the National Syndemic Disease Control Council (NSDCC) on August 30, 2023, revealed that Kenya has a population of 1.4 million individuals living with HIV, 98% of whom are receiving antiretroviral treatment.
World AIDS Day serves as a reminder of the global struggle against HIV-related stigma, an opportunity to commemorate those lost to the epidemic, and a rallying call to commit to a future where HIV is no longer a public health threat.
The inaugural World AIDS Day in 1988 provided a platform to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS, marking its 35th commemoration this year.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), significant progress has been made in addressing HIV and AIDS, attributed to medical research advancements, increased access to treatment and prevention, and a broader understanding of the virus.
Despite this progress, HIV remains a major global public health issue.
WHO records that 40.4 million lives have been claimed by the virus, with ongoing transmission reported in all countries globally. The WHO African Region accounted for two-thirds of the 39.0 million people living with HIV at the end of 2022.
In 2022, 630,000 people died from HIV-related causes, and 1.3 million acquired HIV. In the same year, the percentages for diagnosis, treatment, and suppressed viral loads were 86%, 89%, and 93%, respectively.
By 2025, WHO aims that 95% of all people living with HIV should have a diagnosis, be on lifesaving Antiretroviral Treatment (ART), and achieve a suppressed viral load.
Data from the joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) shows that in 2022, 29.8 million people were receiving HIV treatment globally, constituting 76% of the 39.0 million people living with HIV.
Progress has also been made in preventing mother-to-child transmission, with 82% of pregnant women living with HIV receiving antiretrovirals (ARVs) in 2022.
Despite these strides, WHO says that HIV remains a pressing public health issue globally. Approximately 9.2 million people lack access to necessary HIV treatment, resulting in 1,700 lives lost daily and 3,500 new infections.
WHO aims to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, and seeks to achieve 95-95-95 targets: 95% of people knowing their status, 95% diagnosed receiving ART, and 95% on treatment achieving suppressed viral loads.
