Sat Nov 30 05:28:36 UTC 2024: ## World AIDS Day 2024: “Take the Rights Path” to End the Epidemic
**Geneva, Switzerland** – The world will mark World AIDS Day on December 1st, 2024, under the theme “Take the rights path: My health, my right!” This year’s observance, spearheaded by UNAIDS and the World Health Organization (WHO), emphasizes the crucial role of human rights in achieving the 2030 goal of ending the AIDS epidemic.
First observed in 1988, World AIDS Day aims to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and commemorate those lost to the disease. This year’s focus highlights the persistent inequalities in access to HIV prevention, treatment, and care. Stigma and discrimination remain significant barriers, disproportionately impacting vulnerable populations.
According to the WHO, an estimated 37.7 million people globally are currently living with HIV, a stark reminder of the ongoing public health crisis. AIDS has claimed an estimated 27.2 to 47.8 million lives since its emergence, underscoring the urgent need for continued action.
The “Take the rights path” theme underscores that access to healthcare, including HIV services, is a fundamental human right. The WHO stresses that everyone, regardless of their HIV status, background, or location, should receive the care they need without discrimination. While progress has been made, significant challenges in equitable access remain.
World AIDS Day 2024 serves as a call to action to challenge stigma, combat discrimination, and protect the human rights of all individuals affected by HIV. Only by addressing these critical issues can we hope to achieve universal access to HIV care and ultimately end the AIDS epidemic.
First Piper 