PANCAP joined the global community as we observed World AIDS Day on 1 December. Several activities were held across the Region to bring awareness to HIV, recognize the work that has been done and to strategize on how we can sustain the HIV response in the future.

We recognize the work at all levels, especially that of our global partners such as the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS), World Health Organisation (WHO), Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and others. Governments, National Programmes, Civil Society Organizations, People Living with HIV (PLHIV), Faith-Based Organizations, Communities and individuals have also played a central role in getting us to where we are today and have always been supportive to the PANCAP partnership.

Over the years, we have seen a record number of PLHIV receiving antiretroviral treatment.  We have also seen progress with “Undetectable = Untransmittable” (U=U), meaning that people who adhered to treatment and achieved an undetectable viral load cannot pass the virus on to others. New Infections and AIDS-related deaths in our Region have also decreased, and there have been bold actions to address issues such as stigma and discrimination around the disease.

Indeed, we have come a long way. When HIV was first recognized four decades ago, fear and death were the keywords that defined this disease as the world faced a new and unknown virus. Today, scientific advances, such as the development of antiretroviral drugs, have enabled people to access treatment to live long and healthy lives.

As we reflect on the 2020 theme for World AIDS Day, “Global Solidarity, Shared Responsibility”, it is essential to view it as a call to action for all of us to work together to end AIDS and to support our brothers and sisters living with HIV.

The road ahead is long, but once we work together, I am confident that we can end AIDS.