A World United: Global Leaders Urged to Champion Rights-Based Healthcare for Those Living with HIV
On World AIDS Day, December 1, international organizations have issued a powerful call to action, demanding a renewed global commitment to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
The focus this year is on accessibility and inclusivity, with the theme "Take the Right Path: My Health, My Right!"
Saima Wazed, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Regional Director for Southeast Asia, underscored the critical need to dismantle the inequalities hindering progress towards eradicating AIDS by 2030, a goal set by the Sustainable Development Goals.
"A rights-based approach is not just a strategy; it is a commitment to uphold the dignity, health, and autonomy of every individual, especially those with vulnerabilities and are most at-risk. We must boldly tackle the stigma and discrimination that stand as formidable barriers to accessing prevention, treatment, and care," Wazed emphasized.
This call to action by the WHO comes as the Southeast Asia region faces its own unique challenges. While the region has made strides in HIV care with 78% of those living with HIV knowing their status and 66% receiving vital antiretroviral treatment, significant hurdles remain.
Marginalized groups, including men who have sex with men, sex workers, people who inject drugs, and transgender individuals, continue to experience disproportionately high rates of HIV and face significant obstacles in accessing the care they need.
Another urgent concern is the persistent risk of HIV transmission among young people, further highlighting the need for wider education and access to preventative measures.
Adding a ray of hope are initiatives like the WHO’s “triple elimination” program, aiming to entirely eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B. Countries like the Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Thailand have already achieved this remarkable feat, demonstrating the program’s potential.
Furthermore, technological advancements provide new avenues for providing care to those who might otherwise struggle to access traditional healthcare facilities. Mobile health apps, online counseling tools, and virtual support groups are bridging gaps and empowering individuals to take control of their health.
As the world commemorates World AIDS Day, the WHO continues its unwavering commitment to ensuring that everyone living with HIV has access to the necessary treatment and support to lead healthy, fulfilling lives. In a world increasingly focused on individual rights, the fight against HIV requires a collective effort, one that champions equity and removes the barriers to care that can no longer be tolerated.
## ending HIV/AIDS: Champions of Rights-Based Care Needed
On World AIDS Day, global organizations including the world Health Association (WHO) are calling for a reignited commitment to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic. This year’s theme, ”Take the Right Path: My Health, My Right!,” emphasizes the crucial need for accessible and inclusive healthcare for all affected by HIV.
To delve deeper into these urgent issues, we spoke with **Saima Wazed**, the WHO’s Regional Director for Southeast Asia, a region facing unique challenges in the fight against HIV.
**Wazed**, who has extensive experience in public health leadership, including roles within the Government of Bangladesh, provides a unique viewpoint on the intersection of individual rights and global health initiatives.
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### Dismantling Inequality: A Rights-Based Approach
**World Today News**: Dr. wazed,the WHO emphasizes a “rights-based approach” to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Could you elaborate on what this means in practice, especially in the context of Southeast Asia?
**Saima Wazed**: A rights-based approach means recognizing that access to healthcare, including HIV prevention, treatment, and care, is a fundamental human right. It’s not just about providing services; it’s about empowering individuals, especially those most vulnerable, to make informed decisions about their health.
In Southeast Asia, we see disparities in access to care based on factors like gender identity, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. We must dismantle these inequalities by tackling the stigma and discrimination that prevent marginalized groups from seeking the support they need.
### Bridging the Gaps: Innovative Solutions
**World today News**: The WHO’s “Triple Elimination” program has shown important success in preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV. what other innovative strategies are being implemented to reach those who are most at risk?
**Saima Wazed**: We’re seeing exciting advancements in technology being harnessed to improve HIV care.
Mobile health apps are connecting people to vital information and support networks, irrespective of their location. Online counseling tools are breaking down barriers to seeking confidential advice. And virtual support groups are fostering a sense of community and solidarity among those living with HIV.
### A Collective Mandate: The Role of Global Collaboration
**World Today News**: World AIDS Day serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight against HIV. What message would you like to convey to global leaders and the international community on this significant occasion?
**Saima Wazed**: Ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic requires a global commitment grounded in equity and compassion.We need strong leadership from governments, increased funding for research and prevention programs, and continued collaboration between international organizations and grassroots community groups.
“Every individual living with HIV deserves access to quality care and the chance to live a long and healthy life. Let us honor their stories by redoubling our efforts to create a world free from AIDS.”
### Looking Ahead: A Future Free From AIDS
**World Today news**: What are your hopes and predictions for the future of the fight against HIV?
**Saima Wazed**: I believe that a world free from AIDS is within our reach. By prioritizing a rights-based approach, investing in innovative solutions, and fostering global collaboration, we can accelerate progress towards the goal of ending the epidemic by 2030.
We have come so far, but the journey is not over. We must not lose sight of the human cost of this disease. Every life lost to AIDS is a tragedy, and every new infection is a reminder of the urgent need for action.
**World Today News**: Thank you for your invaluable insights,Dr. Wazed.
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Taking action against HIV/AIDS requires a multifaceted approach. Learn more about the WHO’s initiatives and how you can contribute to this vital cause by visiting [World Health Organization website](https://www.who.int/).
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**Don’t forget to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. What questions do you have about the fight against HIV?**
