By Alhaji Haruna Sani
On Friday, November 29, the National AIDS Secretariat (NAS) of Sierra Leone held a press briefing to provide an update on the country’s HIV status and outline plans for World AIDS Day, commemorated on Sunday, December 1.
The event emphasized progress made in HIV treatment and prevention while shedding light on persistent challenges, particularly stigma and discrimination.
Abdulrahman Sesay, the Director General of NAS, revealed significant strides in the country’s response to HIV. He reported that an estimated 77,000 people are currently living with HIV in Sierra Leone, with 70,000 of them receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). “This is a remarkable achievement,” Sesay said, highlighting the high percentage of individuals accessing free treatment.
He stressed that ensuring access to treatment for everyone living with HIV is not just a public health issue but a fundamental human right.
Despite the progress, Sesay identified stigma and marginalization as critical barriers to achieving universal health coverage. “Stigma is a human rights issue, and it undermines the fight against HIV. It is the right of every individual to access treatment without fear of discrimination,” he stated.
The 2024 World AIDS Day theme centers on human rights, with planned activities reflecting this focus. A rally was scheduled from the Law Courts on Siaka Stevens Street to Youyi Building, where officials and stakeholders would deliver key messages. In addition, a church service on December 1 at St. Anthony’s Parish was held yesterday to remember and pray for those who succumbed to the virus.
Sesay emphasized that raising awareness about HIV should not be confined to one day. “While the world recognizes December 1 as World AIDS Day, Sierra Leone considers every day as December 1,” he remarked, urging citizens to get tested and adhere to treatment if they test positive.
Jane Kalweo, Country Director for UNAIDS, brought attention to gender disparities in HIV infection rates. “Girls are three times more likely to contract HIV than boys, a worrying statistic that underscores the need for targeted interventions,” she noted. Kalweo emphasized that stigma and fear often deter individuals, especially women and young girls, from accessing testing and treatment.
According to UNAIDS’ 2024 Global AIDS Report, Sierra Leone recorded 3,300 new infections in 2023, with a prevalence rate of 1.4% among adults aged 15-49. Among young people aged 15-24, the prevalence was 1% for women and 0.4% for men. Kalweo stressed that ending the epidemic requires a collective effort to uphold human rights, combat stigma, and ensure equal access to healthcare services.
Dr. Victor Popoola, a representative of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), provided a global perspective, noting that 39 million people worldwide are living with HIV. He lamented that stigma remains a major obstacle, undermining the gains made in combating the virus. “Stigma is a silent killer. It prevents people from coming forward for testing and treatment, erasing years of progress,” Dr. Popoola stated.
He called on Sierra Leoneans to foster a culture of acceptance and inclusivity. “The fight against HIV is not just about medicine; it’s about changing mindsets. Every act of stigma erodes the progress we’ve made. Let us remember that this is a shared battle, and no one should face it alone.” As Sierra Leone commemorates World AIDS Day, stakeholders are urging citizens to embrace a human rights-centered approach to the epidemic. The government, in collaboration with partners like UNAIDS and AHF, continues to work towards an AIDS-free generation by addressing stigma, increasing access to treatment, and prioritizing vulnerable populations.
The message from NAS, UNAIDS, and AHF is clear: ending HIV is possible, but only if everyone plays their part.
