World AIDS Day 2023: Let Communities Lead in the Fight Against HIV
Welcome to World AIDS Day 2023, where we come together to honor the invaluable contributions of communities in the fight against HIV. Under the theme ‘Let communities lead,’ we recognize the essential role that communities living with and affected by HIV play in driving progress. They provide vital support services, generate innovative solutions, and hold providers accountable. Join us as we celebrate and empower communities to take the lead in the HIV response.
The Power of Community-Led Responses
Communities play a pivotal role in the fight against HIV. They provide essential prevention, testing, and treatment support services, building trust and promoting health. By taking the lead, communities generate innovative solutions and hold providers accountable for their actions.
One example of community-led responses is the establishment of networks of people from key populations. These networks provide a platform for sharing experiences, advocating for their rights, and ensuring that their unique needs are met. Through their collective efforts, they contribute to the development and implementation of effective policies and programs.
Communities living with and affected by HIV are the driving force behind progress in the HIV response. Their involvement is crucial in achieving the goal of ending AIDS. By empowering communities to lead, we can create a future where HIV is no longer a public health problem.
Commemoration Event: Celebrating Community Leadership
On World AIDS Day 2023, we will gather to celebrate the power of communities leading the response to HIV. The commemoration event will take place at the Red Ribbon Café, UNAIDS, in Geneva. It will be a time to honor the achievements of communities and recognize their invaluable contributions.
The event will feature an opening and candlelight ceremony, followed by a World AIDS Day message from Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO Director-General. Dr. Jérôme Salomon, Assistant Director-General, will present public health milestones on HIV & AIDS in the context of the WHO 75th Anniversary.
During the event, we will also showcase the WAD2023 video titled ‘Communities leading the HIV response,’ highlighting the inspiring stories of community representatives. It will be a moment to amplify their voices and acknowledge their dedication and resilience.
Field Visit to Checkpoint Genève
As part of World AIDS Day 2023, there will be a field visit to Checkpoint Genève, a community-led initiative that facilitates access to HIV services for key populations. Dr. Jérôme Salomon will lead the visit, gaining insights into the impact of community-led interventions.
Checkpoint Genève serves as a safe space for key populations, providing a range of services including testing, counseling, and support. By addressing the specific needs of these populations, the initiative plays a vital role in reducing new HIV infections and improving the overall well-being of individuals.
This field visit will offer an opportunity to witness firsthand the positive outcomes that can be achieved when communities are empowered to lead the response to HIV.
Launch of the Digital Adaptation Kit (DAK) for HIV
On World AIDS Day, WHO will launch the second edition of the Digital Adaptation Kit (DAK) for HIV. This kit provides operational requirements for implementing WHO recommendations within digital systems. It ensures that countries adopt digital systems that accurately reflect WHO’s recommended health and data content.
The DAK is part of the WHO SMART guidelines initiative, aimed at improving the delivery of healthcare services. By integrating WHO recommendations into digital systems, countries can enhance their HIV response and ensure the provision of quality care.
A global webinar will be held on December 7th to present an overview of the second edition of the DAK. This webinar will provide valuable insights into the practical application of the kit and its potential impact on the HIV response worldwide.
World AIDS Day in Zimbabwe: Honoring Lives Lost
On World AIDS Day 2023, the WHO Regional Office for Africa will join Winnie Byanyima, UNAIDS Executive Director, in Zimbabwe to commemorate the lives lost to AIDS. The event will take place in Victoria Falls, bringing together government officials and leaders of the HIV response in Zimbabwe.
Following the commemoration, there will be a visit to a community-led initiative that enables key populations to access services. This visit will provide an opportunity to witness the impact of community-led interventions on the ground and learn from their experiences.
The activities for World AIDS Day in Zimbabwe will be followed by the 22nd edition of ICASA, the largest HIV conference in Africa, held in Harare. WHO will play a leading role in the conference, engaging with communities and people living with or affected by HIV.
European Parliament Commemorative Act: Ending AIDS in Europe
The European Parliament, under the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, is hosting a commemorative act on Ending AIDS in Europe. The event aims to address the political action needed to achieve zero stigma and discrimination associated with HIV.
Dr. Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, will join global leaders in speaking about the power of community-led responses and the importance of eliminating all forms of stigma and discrimination. The event will focus on advancing the agenda to eliminate AIDS as a public health problem by 2030.
By highlighting the intersection of HIV and human rights, the European Parliament aims to drive change and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for people living with or affected by HIV.