- By the end of 2022, there was about 39.0 million people living with the disease and most of them were in the WHO African Region.
- Community members also participated in tree planting, with more than two hundred trees being planted by the local residents.
- Despite the progress made in the fight against HIV/AIDS, people living with this disease still face several challenges.
As the world marked World AIDS Day on December 1, Mombasa County commemorated the day with a series of events to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS and promote testing and prevention.
Different organizations such as The Kenya Red Cross, Reach Out, Likoni Health Network, and the county government of Mombasa, among others, joined hands in the campaign against the stigmatization of people living with HIV/AIDS while aiming to enlighten the community about the disease and encourage them to know their status.
One of the significant events that took place in the county was the free HIV testing and counseling campaign.
In addition to the testing campaign, several other activities occurred in the coastal region.
These include commemorating those who have lost their lives to AIDS, a concert featuring various talents, and a community fair where people got to learn more about health issues.
Let communities lead
This year’s theme, Let Communities Lead, aims to highlight the importance of community involvement in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Jecktone Chilo, Coordinator of MOPESUN, shared the importance of this topic.
“World AIDS Day 2023 will be unlike any other. This topic is an urgent call to action, urging communities to step up and take responsibility for the fight against AIDS.
We as communities recognize that change depends not on a moment but on a movement. The message “Let Communities Lead” will therefore not only ring out today but until we end AIDS, a public health threat,” he said.
Tree planting exercise
Community members also participated in tree planting, with more than two hundred trees being planted by the local residents.
This was a powerful symbol of the community’s commitment to ending the spread of HIV/AIDS and promoting a healthier, more sustainable future for all.
History of World AIDS Day
This day has been celebrated worldwide every December 1 since 1988 by governments, health authorities, non-governmental organizations and communities to create awareness about the spread and control of HIV.
The idea was first proposed in August 1987 by James W. Bunn and Thomas Netter, communications officers for the World Health Organization’s Global AIDS Program in Geneva, Switzerland.
They shared this information with Dr. Jonathan Mann, Director of the World AIDS Program (now known as the United Nations AIDS Program), who approved the proposal to celebrate World AIDS Day on December 1, 1988.
The emergence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is responsible for the spread of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
HIV attacks the patient’s immune system, reducing its resistance to other diseases.
By 2020, the pandemic had killed nearly 47.8 million people worldwide, of whom approximately 37.7 million suffered from the disease, making AIDS the most concerning global health problem.
Thanks to improved access to antiretroviral treatment in many parts of the world, mortality rates have fallen from 64% since their peak in 2004.
World Health Organization
According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), HIV is a severe global problem that has caused the deaths of 40.4 million people so far and continues to spread in every country in the world; some countries have seen a rise in new infections after they had previously reduced them.
By the end of 2022, there was about 39.0 million people living with the disease and most of them were in the WHO African Region.
Being a HIV/AIDS victim
Despite the progress made in the fight against HIV/AIDS, people living with this disease still face several challenges, including the following:
- Stigma and discrimination
This is the major problem faced by people living with HIV/AIDS in their daily lives. They get discriminated against in schools, at work and in the community at large. This stigma often leads to isolation, depression and other mental-related problems.
“We must note that HIV-related stigma remains widespread, impeding access to and use of HIV services. This World AIDS Day, we call on governments and partners to renew their commitment and investment in fighting the disease,” Jackton said.
- Access to health care
People with HIV/AIDS do not receive the treatment they need, including antiretroviral therapy (ART) and other medications. If left untreated, the condition may worsen.
- Poverty
Many people with this disease are unable to work and face financial difficulties. Financial pressures can make it challenging to get the care they need.
Suppressing the epidemic
Living with HIV/AIDS can be difficult, but it is essential to take steps to combat the epidemic. There are also many ways to prevent the spread of the disease and support those affected.
According to Dickson Okongo, Executive Director of Youth Group Stretchers, this is a serious health issue affecting millions of people worldwide and cannot be ignored.
“Let us solve this epidemic. This doesn’t have to be a government epidemic. All citizens must work together as a community. We need a strategy to combat this.
The first is to encourage young people to take advantage of protection if they are single and sexually active. It is also important to get tested regularly because you test positive until you test negative.
Let’s use social media well, too. Since most of these diseases are primarily sexually transmitted diseases, I strongly support including sex education in the curriculum. Make sure the community understands and accepts sexuality in schools,” he said.
Substance abuse plays a significant role in the spread of HIV/AIDS by increasing the likelihood of risky sex with an infected partner.
According to Mwakazi, Methadone Treatment (MAT) has been shown to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS by helping with adherence to antiretroviral therapy.
“Around 300 to 500 drug addicts are registered in our clinic. Mombasa County government and stakeholders have opened clinics in various locations. Our program was able to enroll 2,000 people.
The main objective of this program is to transform them and bring about significant change in society,” Mwakazi said.
In conclusion, HIV/AIDS is a serious disease that can have a significant impact on an individual’s life. However, if the necessary precautions are taken, infected people can live long and healthy lives.
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Governments and communities must also take steps to control the spread of the disease. This includes funding research, providing health care, and raising education and awareness.
