This year’s World AIDS Day theme, “Take the Rights Path to End AIDS”, underscores the critical role of human rights in combating the AIDS pandemic. The 2024 UNAIDS report reveals that the path to ending AIDS by 2030 requires bold action to dismantle stigma, eliminate barriers, and ensure that everyone—particularly women, youth, and marginalised communities—has equitable access to prevention, care, and treatment services.
Key Insights from the 2024 UNAIDS Report
Despite notable progress, the report highlights persistent challenges. Of the 39.9 million people living with HIV globally, 9.3 million still lack access to life-saving treatment, and AIDS claimed 630,000 lives last year alone. Worryingly, 570 young women and girls aged 15–24 in Africa acquired HIV daily in 2023, with women in this age group being three times more likely to be infected than their male peers.
Stigmatisation, gender-based violence, and punitive laws in some countries exacerbate these challenges, obstructing access to vital HIV services.
“Despite huge progress made in the HIV response, human rights violations are still preventing the world from ending AIDS,” said Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “When girls are denied education; when there is impunity for gender-based violence; when people can be arrested for who they are, or who they love; when a visit to health services is dangerous for people because of the community they are from—the result is that people are blocked from being able to access HIV services that are essential to save their lives and to end the AIDS pandemic. To protect everyone’s health, we need to protect everyone’s rights.”
“Discrimination and violence against girls must be tackled as a human rights and health emergency,” emphasised 21-year-old HIV activist Nomonde Ngema.
What Needs to Change
The report outlines specific areas that require immediate attention to achieve the ambitious goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030:
- Expand Human Rights Protections: Governments must fulfil their commitment to reduce restrictive legal frameworks that block access to HIV services.
- Prioritise Gender Equality: Addressing gender disparities, particularly for women and girls, is critical. This includes combatting gender-based violence, expanding educational opportunities, and providing sexual health information and services.
- Leverage Innovative Medical Tools: Long-acting injectable medicines and preventive options must be made accessible and affordable to all.
- Invest in Multisectoral Approaches: Align HIV prevention with broader health, nutrition, and education strategies, as outlined in the Africa Health Strategy 2016–2030 and the Catalytic Framework to End AIDS, TB, and Malaria.
The Role of Africa’s Leaders and AU Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want
Africa’s bold vision for 2030 is encapsulated in Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, which identifies health, gender equality, and education as foundational pillars for sustainable development. This vision is further reinforced by the African Union’s Catalytic Framework to End AIDS, which promotes integrated and holistic approaches to tackling the pandemic. Initiatives such as the Free to Shine Campaign and CARMMA Plus exemplify how these commitments are being actualised, showcasing Africa’s ability to harness multisectoral partnerships to advance health equity.
Complementing these efforts is the AU’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), which aligns seamlessly with the theme of World AIDS Day. This synergy amplifies advocacy for survivors of violence—women and girls who are disproportionately affected by HIV—highlighting the interconnectedness of gender equality, human rights, and the fight to end AIDS.
Recommendations for the Future
To accelerate progress, the 2024 UNAIDS report calls for:
- Scalable programmes targeting youth and women to address the unique vulnerabilities they face in acquiring HIV.
- Increased funding for HIV programmes, especially in rural and underserved areas.
- A unified continental response through regional cooperation, as exemplified by the African Union’s flagship projects.
- Strengthened civil society partnerships to break down silos and champion inclusive health systems.
Call to Action: No More Stigma, No More Barriers
The Africa Health Strategy envisions a continent free of HIV stigma and discrimination. This World AIDS Day, join us in taking the rights path to end AIDS. Together, we can ensure health for all, uphold human rights, and shape The Africa We Want.
📖 Read the full 2024 UNAIDS Report: Take the Rights Path to End AIDS
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For further information, please contact:
Ms. Whitney Mwangi I Health Communication and Advocacy Specialist | Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, | African Union Commission | E-mail: WhitneyM@africa-union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia |
Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org
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