Monrovia, Liberia-UN Secretary General António Guterres has emphasized the importance of a rights-based approach to ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
In his statement issued on World AIDS Day, Guterres underscored that while the goal of ending AIDS is achievable, it requires overcoming the barriers that prevent many people from accessing essential services.
The UN Secretary General statement was read by the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative to Liberia Dr. Clement L. Peter.
“Ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 is achievable,” Guterres stated. However, he highlighted the ongoing challenges in reaching this goal, particularly the fact that every 25 seconds; someone worldwide is infected with HIV.
He also pointed out that one-quarter of people living with HIV more than nine million individuals—still lack access to life-saving treatment.
Guterres called attention to the role of discriminatory laws, policies, and practices that continue to punish and stigmatize vulnerable populations, particularly women, girls, and minorities.
These barriers prevent these groups from accessing critical HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care services.
This year’s World AIDS Day, according to Guterres, is a reminder that the fight against AIDS can be won if global leaders prioritize human rights and ensure that everyone, especially the most vulnerable, has access to the services they need without fear of discrimination.
“The inspirational advances made in the global HIV response have been powered by global solidarity and human rights,” Guterres said.
He reinforced that overcoming AIDS is not only a matter of medical progress but also of protecting the rights of everyone, everywhere.
The Secretary-General’s message was a call to action for governments and leaders worldwide to prioritize the rights of those most at risk of HIV, ensure that health services are inclusive, and remove the barriers that continue to hinder progress.
With continued solidarity and a focus on human rights, Guterres concluded, the world will overcome AIDS and achieve the goal of ending it as a public health threat by 2030.
For her part, the Chairperson of the Liberia National AIDS Commission (NAC) Dr. Cecelia J. Nuta called on all Liberians to show support to those living with HIV/AIDS in Liberia.
Dr. Nuta said this year’s World AIDS Day global theme underscored the importance that health is foundational human rights.
She noted that the global theme reminds every Liberian that, everyone deserves access to care, support, and resources needed to live a healthy life free from stigma, discrimination and other violation of rights.
“The global theme underscored the essential truth that health is a foundational human right. It reminds us that everyone deserves access to care, support, and resources needed to live a healthy life free from stigma, discrimination and other violations of rights,” she added.
NAC Chairperson emphasized that Liberia has made significant strived in the fight against HIV/AIDS, stating that there are more than 34,000 people that are currently living with HIV/AIDS in Liberia.
She said the commission has also made strived against stigma and discrimination at the level of the national HIV/ AIDS response.
“With the development of zero discrimination and stigma action plan, and the empowerment of key and vulnerable population to take charge of their own house, we have seen significant improvement in our fight against HIV/AIDS related stigma and discrimination,” she highlighted.
Dr. Nuta among other things noted that while commission celebrates these gains, the country must acknowledge that there are still challenges in ending AIDS by 2030.
She said these achievements are a statement to the dedication of hard work of our healthcare providers, community leaders, and international partners.
“World AIDS Day is not just a day on the calendar, but it’s a powerful reminder of the relentless effort we must continue to make in the fight against HIV/AIDS,” Dr. Nuta stated.
Continuing, she stated: “as we have gathered here today, let’s us celebrate the progress being made, acknowledge the challenges we faced and renew our commitment to work tirelessly toward a future free from HIV/AIDS. This is why I called on all of our leaders in government and the communities as well as all citizens to take the right steps in ending HIV/AIDS by 2030.”
