By: Precious Miracle Kargbo
In an observation at the Youyi Building, U.S. Ambassador David Bryan Hunt delivered an important update during the World AIDS Day 2024 commemoration on Monday 2nd December 2024.
The event highlighted the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS and underscored the commitment to human rights and public health.
Ambassador Hunt addressed distinguished members of the government, including the Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission, Ms. Patricia Narsu Ndanema, the Director of the National HIV/AIDS Secretariat, Mr. Abdul Rahman Sesay, and the Minister of Health, Austin Demby.
Minister Demby emphasized the critical need to combat stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS, urging healthcare professionals and the community to support individuals living with HIV. “We must encourage those affected not to be discouraged and to continue their treatment,” he stated, highlighting the importance of compassion and understanding in healthcare.
Ambassador Hunt reiterated the United States’ support for Sierra Leone’s efforts in combating the epidemic. “The 95-95-95 targets set by the United Nations represent a crucial framework for our collective action,” he stated. “These targets aim to ensure that 95% of people living with HIV are diagnosed, 95% of those diagnosed receive sustained antiretroviral therapy, and 95% of those on treatment achieve viral suppression.”
Since 2010, Sierra Leone has made notable strides in the fight against HIV/AIDS, with a significant decline in prevalence.
The ambassador highlighted that the prevalence of HIV has been reduced by an estimated 39%, demonstrating the effectiveness of ongoing efforts and collaboration among various stakeholders.
Hunt also pointed to new targets for HIV detection and treatment set by the National AIDS Secretariat, which aim to enhance the nation’s response to the epidemic. “This approach clearly underscores the authorities’ commitment to ending AIDS and protecting the rights of all individuals living with HIV,” he remarked.
As part of the observance, Ambassador Hunt reiterated the importance of solidarity in the fight against HIV/AIDS, calling on all sectors of society to reflect on the challenges faced and to renew their commitment to support those affected by the virus.
Conclusively, the event served as a poignant reminder of the ongoing challenges in the fight against HIV/AIDS and the importance of collaboration, compassion, and respect for human rights in achieving significant public health goals.
