According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 25.6 million people worldwide are living with HIV. It is estimated that two-thirds of those affected by the virus live in African countries, making it the most affected region of the world.
The WHO also reported that over 1.7 million people were newly infected with HIV, and an additional 870 000 people died due to AIDS-related illnesses in 2018 alone.
World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, made this know to the public, that the African region continues to be most affected out of the 25.6 million people living with HIV in the global worldwide index.
She said this in her message to commemorate World AIDS Day which is celebrated globally every December 1, adding that, WHO support people living with HIV and remembers those who have lost their lives and loved ones to AIDS.
As the world comes together every 1st of December to celebrate World AIDS Day and also educate the globe that HIV AIDS is real and is an important day of commemoration, awareness, and action.
It is observed each year on December 1st which serves to remember those who have lost their lives to HIV and AIDS as well as honor the courage of those living with HIV and AIDS around the world.
While “This year, the theme is “Equalise ” urging each one of us to address the inequalities driving the epidemic and holding back progress in ending AIDS,” she said.
She added that by ending inequalities and getting on track to end AIDS by 2030, the heads of state and government are committed to ending all inequalities faced by people living with and affected by HIV in communities and countries, which are barriers to ending AIDS.
Dr. Moeti added that progress has been made over the past decade, reducing new infections by 44% and reducing AIDS-related deaths by 55%.
WHO representative also said: “This progress was made because WHO and partners advocated for and supported the expansion of new HIV prevention and treatment technologies; provided guidance on combination HIV prevention, testing, and treatment
And continue to build capacity in countries to improve data availability and quality; increased access to affordable medicines, diagnostics, and health technologies and supported national HIV treatment catch-up plans in the west and central Africa.”
The WHO also reported that over 1.7 million people were newly infected with HIV, and an additional 870 000 people died due to AIDS-related illnesses in 2018 alone.
World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, made this know to the public, that the African region continues to be most affected out of the 25.6 million people living with HIV in the global worldwide index.
She said this in her message to commemorate World AIDS Day which is celebrated globally every December 1, adding that, WHO support people living with HIV and remembers those who have lost their lives and loved ones to AIDS.
As the world comes together every 1st of December to celebrate World AIDS Day and also educate the globe that HIV AIDS is real and is an important day of commemoration, awareness, and action.
It is observed each year on December 1st which serves to remember those who have lost their lives to HIV and AIDS as well as honor the courage of those living with HIV and AIDS around the world.
While “This year, the theme is “Equalise ” urging each one of us to address the inequalities driving the epidemic and holding back progress in ending AIDS,” she said.
She added that by ending inequalities and getting on track to end AIDS by 2030, the heads of state and government are committed to ending all inequalities faced by people living with and affected by HIV in communities and countries, which are barriers to ending AIDS.
Dr. Moeti added that progress has been made over the past decade, reducing new infections by 44% and reducing AIDS-related deaths by 55%.
WHO representative also said: “This progress was made because WHO and partners advocated for and supported the expansion of new HIV prevention and treatment technologies; provided guidance on combination HIV prevention, testing, and treatment
And continue to build capacity in countries to improve data availability and quality; increased access to affordable medicines, diagnostics, and health technologies and supported national HIV treatment catch-up plans in the west and central Africa.”