On December 1, the World observed the 34th World AIDS Day since the United Nations instituted the commemorative day in 1988 to raise awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection, to mourn those who have died from an AIDS-related illness, and to provide the opportunity for all of us to join in the fight against the disease.
The theme for this year’s World AIDS Day is “Equalize”, and the WHO (World Health Organization) is calling on global leaders and citizens to boldly recognize and address the inequalities which are holding back progress in ending AIDS; and equalize access to essential HIV services, particularly for children and key populations and their partners – men who have sex with men, transgender people, people who use drugs, sex workers, and people in prisons.
National HIV/AIDS Coordinator in the Ministry of Health in St. Kitts, Dr. Matthias Ofre, said that the word “equalize” is a call to action for all of us to join in eradicating HIV/AIDS.
