UNAIDS
In a powerful statement marking Zero Discrimination Day, UNAIDS has emphasized the crucial role of communities in sustaining the global HIV response and broader public health efforts. The organization underscored the urgent need for increased financing and support to ensure that people living with and affected by HIV receive the care, respect, and dignity they deserve.
“The only way to end AIDS is by working together with communities,” said Christine Stegling, UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director. “They build trust and reach marginalized groups—people often excluded from traditional healthcare due to stigma and discrimination.” She stressed that to achieve the goal of ending AIDS by 2030, sustained investment in community-led initiatives is non-negotiable.
Despite their critical contributions, community-led healthcare providers continue to face major challenges. According to UNAIDS, these include stigma, discrimination, criminalization, funding cuts, and political backlash, all of which hinder their ability to deliver essential health services to those most in need.
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The situation has been exacerbated by shifts in U.S. government funding, causing uncertainty and distress for many community organizations. These funding challenges place life-saving HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support programs at risk, despite clear evidence of their positive impact on public health.
UNAIDS has called on governments, donors, and global partners to reaffirm their commitment by ensuring that:
Community-led organizations can operate legally and receive sustainable funding.
Health services include community representatives in decision-making processes.
Communities are empowered to provide services to marginalized groups.
Efforts to end discrimination, criminalization, and gender inequalities are supported.
Echoing this call, Marc Angel, Vice President of the European Parliament and longtime HIV activist, stated: “No society can thrive where discrimination exists. Every right denied, every barrier imposed weakens us all. On Zero Discrimination Day, let’s make it clear: equality is not an option—it’s a necessity.”
UNAIDS reiterated that community-led services are vital to the long-term sustainability of the HIV response. However, these initiatives remain underfunded, unrecognized, and, in some cases, even under attack. The organization warned that restrictive policies and lack of funding threaten the progress made in fighting AIDS.
“The sustainability of the AIDS response now and in the future depends on communities,” the statement concluded. “Now is the time to reaffirm global commitment to their leadership.”
As the world observes Zero Discrimination Day, UNAIDS urges all stakeholders to stand together and ensure that community-led organizations receive the recognition, funding, and support they need to continue their vital work in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
