By: Precious Miracle Kargbo
As Sierra Leone joins the global community in commemorating World AIDS Day, President Julius Maada Bio has reaffirmed his government’s dedication to achieving the ambitious 95:95:95 targets set by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS).
These targets aim to ensure that 95% of all people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed with HIV are on treatment, and 95% of individuals receiving treatment achieve viral suppression.
President Bio’s statement celebrates the progress made so far while calling for renewed efforts to address the remaining gaps in the country’s HIV response.
Over the last six years, Sierra Leone has made remarkable strides in combating HIV. According to the Global Fund, of the estimated 77,000 people living with HIV in Sierra Leone, 78% are now aware of their status, a critical first step in managing the epidemic.
Furthermore, 97% of those who know their status are on treatment, reflecting the effectiveness of the country’s efforts to link individuals to care.
However, only 45% of those on treatment have achieved viral suppression, highlighting an area that demands urgent attention.
President Bio took the opportunity to emphasize the importance of building on these achievements. “On this World AIDS Day, my government reaffirms its commitment to the 95:95:95 targets,” he stated. “I call upon all partners and stakeholders to enhance efforts and interventions aimed at increasing the number of people receiving treatment, expanding viral load testing, improving HIV testing for pregnant women, delivering paediatric care, and reducing new HIV infections among adults.”
His words signal not only a sense of pride in the progress made but also a resolve to overcome the remaining challenges in the fight against HIV.
One of the key areas of focus outlined by President Bio is the need to expand viral load testing. Viral suppression is essential for improving health outcomes and preventing the transmission of HIV, yet the current 45% suppression rate indicates a gap in the availability and accessibility of viral load testing.
Scaling up this critical intervention will require investments in diagnostic infrastructure, capacity building for healthcare workers, and greater community engagement to ensure testing is widely available and utilized.
Another priority is improving access to HIV testing for pregnant women to prevent mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT). While substantial progress has been made in expanding antenatal care services, gaps remain in ensuring that all pregnant women are tested for HIV and linked to treatment if needed.
Early diagnosis and treatment during pregnancy are crucial for safeguarding both maternal health and the health of newborns.
President Bio’s call to enhance efforts in this area, underscoring the government’s commitment to addressing the vulnerabilities faced by women and children in the context of HIV.
Paediatric care also emerged as a critical focus in President Bio’s statement.
Children living with HIV often face unique challenges, including limited access to child-friendly formulations of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and delayed diagnosis due to inadequate early infant testing.
Strengthening paediatric HIV services will require targeted interventions to close these gaps, ensuring that children living with HIV receive timely and effective care. By prioritizing paediatric care, Sierra Leone can work toward a future in which no child is left behind in the fight against HIV.
Reducing new HIV infections among adults is another cornerstone of Sierra Leone’s strategy to achieve the 95:95:95 targets. Prevention efforts, including awareness campaigns, condom distribution, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), remain critical to curbing the spread of the virus.
Addressing stigma and discrimination is equally important, as these barriers often prevent individuals from seeking testing and treatment.
President Bio’s call to action highlights the need for a comprehensive approach that combines prevention, treatment, and support services to create an enabling environment for individuals to take control of their health.
The President’s statement also emphasized the importance of partnerships in advancing the HIV response. Civil society organizations, international partners, healthcare providers, and community leaders all play a vital role in ensuring that interventions reach those who need them most.
Collaboration between these stakeholders will be key to scaling up services, addressing systemic challenges, and sustaining progress toward the 95:95:95 targets. By working together, Sierra Leone can leverage its collective strength to overcome the barriers standing in the way of achieving its goals.
As Sierra Leone reflects on its achievements this World AIDS Day, the progress made over the past six years is a testament to the country’s commitment and resilience.
Yet, the journey toward ending the HIV epidemic is far from over.
In addendum, President Bio’s renewed pledge to the 95:95:95 targets serve as a rallying cry for all stakeholders to intensify their efforts, ensuring that no one is left behind in the fight against HIV. With continued determination, collaboration, and investment, Sierra Leone can move closer to a future where the burden of HIV is no longer felt across its communities.