Monrovia, Liberia- In a heartfelt address at the World AIDS Day ceremony at thee Invincible Park in Sinkor, the USAID Liberia Mission Director, Jim Wright, celebrated the remarkable progress made in the fight against HIV/AIDS while emphasizing the ongoing commitment of the U.S. government to support Liberia’s national HIV response.
World AIDS Day 2024, held under the global theme “Collective Action: Sustain and Accelerate HIV Progress,” brought together government officials, partners, and the public to reflect on the significant strides made in combating the disease and renew commitments to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Wright acknowledged the efforts of the National AIDS Commission and its partners in Liberia, highlighting the joint efforts that have contributed to improving the health and well-being of thousands of Liberians living with HIV.
“World AIDS Day is an important opportunity for us to remember the millions of people who have lost their lives to AIDS, build on the significant gains made to reduce new HIV infections, and recommit our support to help Liberians lead healthier lives,” Wright said.
Notable progress was highlighted during the speech, including the U.S. government’s continued investment through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which has contributed over $47 million to Liberia’s HIV response since 2019.
Wright pointed out that the number of people on antiretroviral treatment (ART) in Liberia had increased by 68%, from 15,000 in 2019 to more than 27,000 in 2024.
Similarly, the number of people with suppressed viral loads had skyrocketed from under 3,000 to over 25,000 over the same period.
Furthermore, the U.S. government’s support has helped strengthen the national health systems, especially in terms of improving supply chain management for essential medical commodities.
Wright commended the improved distribution systems for medical supplies, including those for HIV prevention and treatment, which have now reached county depots and hospitals quarterly.
Despite the progress, Richards noted that stigma and discrimination remain significant barriers to effective HIV care and treatment in Liberia.
He urged all sectors of society to work together to reduce the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS, particularly in health facilities and communities.
“We must collectively reduce stigma and discrimination if we want to end HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030,” he said.
As Liberia continues its journey toward HIV epidemic control, Richards reaffirmed the U.S. government’s unwavering commitment to supporting Liberia’s health systems, improving access to treatment, and providing life-saving services to those affected by HIV/AIDS.
“We value your collective leadership and collaboration to provide equitable and life-saving services to Liberians impacted by HIV/AIDS and look forward to our continued partnership,” Richards concluded, reaffirming the vital importance of joint action to reach the goal of ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
This year’s World AIDS Day ceremony marked another key milestone in Liberia’s fight against HIV/AIDS, highlighting the critical role of partnerships and continued investment in health to ensure a future free from the threat of HIV.
