World AIDS Day 2023: Let Communities Lead to end HIV/AIDS

Mumbai: Annually, World AIDS Day is commemorated globally on December 1 to unite and show support for the millions who have been affected by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and in remembrance of those who have succumbed to AIDS.

Communities globally have been working towards the eradication of AIDS, but there is more to be done. Awareness and education are key to eliminating AIDS from the human immune system; the World Health Organisation's (WHO) theme for 2023 is ‘Let communities lead’. Mankind has come a long way in the prevention, spread, and awareness of AIDS. From being a death sentence to those affected by it, to treatment protocols advancing to the extent that there have been reports of a few rare cases where individuals have been cured of HIV.

ETHealthworld interacted with a few experts on the WHO theme significance of ‘Let communities lead’ as HIV/AIDS has been a global health challenge. According to the WHO, there were an estimated 39.0 million [33.1–45.7 million] people living with HIV at the end of 2022, two-thirds of whom (25.6 million) were in the WHO African Region. In 2022, 6,30,000 [4,80,000 – 8,80,000] people died from HIV-related causes, and 1.3 million [1.0 – 1.7 million] people acquired HIV. 

Dr Nidhin Mohan, Consultant, Internal Medicine, Narayana Health City, Bengaluru, said, “On this World AIDS Day, reflecting on the theme ‘Let Communities Lead’ underlines the importance of community-driven efforts in the fight against HIV. Empowering individuals within communities with knowledge about early signs of HIV is paramount. Awareness serves as a powerful tool, enabling early detection and intervention. Commitment is not only to provide medical care but also to educate. Recognising symptoms such as persistent fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and recurrent infections is crucial.”

Sharing his views, Dr Vikrant Shah, Infectious Disease Expert and Physician, Zen Multispeciality Hospital, Chembur shared, “World AIDS Day 2023 promises to be a powerful and inspiring event as the WHO, joined hands with communities and partners, chooses to spotlight the theme 'Let Communities Lead'. This poignant theme underscores the crucial role that communities play in shaping effective HIV/AIDS responses. This approach aims to foster greater inclusivity, innovation, and sustainability in the battle against HIV/AIDS.”

“On this World AIDS Day 2023, we unite under the powerful theme ‘Let Communities Lead’. This appeal for unity encapsulates the essence of our collective endeavour to combat HIV/AIDS, recognising that communities are not only the heartbeat of resilience but also the architects of sustainable change. In a world where HIV/AIDS affects millions, our commitment to empowering communities takes centre stage. We celebrate the strides made in treatment, prevention, and awareness, acknowledging that progress is a testament to the collaborative efforts of governments, organisations, and individuals worldwide. Yet challenges persist, and our work is far from over,” echoed Dr Krutharth Kanjiya, Fever and Critical Infection Specialist, Sterling Hospitals.

“Let Communities Lead echoes a profound truth: that local engagement is the cornerstone of effective health interventions. By fostering community-led initiatives, we empower individuals to be agents of change in their own right. Communities hold unique insights into their needs, and it is through their leadership that we can tailor responses that resonate with cultural nuances and overcome systemic barriers,” added Dr Kanjiya.

In a country like India, there is a significant population living with HIV/AIDS. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, 23.49 lakh people were living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) in 2019. The majority of HIV infections reported were due to high-risk behaviours such as unprotected heterosexual behaviour, unprotected homosexual behaviour, and unsafe injecting drug use behaviour. There are no dedicated hospitals for the treatment of HIV/AIDS patients. However, under the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) of the Government, as of July 2020, there are 570 anti-retroviral treatment (

Source: Healthworld