City prepares for World AIDS Day observance on December 1

Preparations are underway for the Summer Capital’s observance of World AIDS Day on December 1 according to Acting City Health Officer Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes.

She said the annual event brings people together from all over the world to support those who are impacted by and living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which attacks the body’s immune system, as well as mourn those who have died from Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome or AIDS.

“We can address the disparities that fuel the AIDS pandemic; they are not unavoidable. On this World AIDS Day, we are urged to address the injustices that are impeding the fight to eliminate AIDS. The ‘Equalize’ slogan is a call to action. It is a prompt for all of us to work for the proven practical actions needed to address inequalities and help end AIDS,” Brillantes said.

Citing data from the United Nations (UN) AIDS on HIV response, she disclosed that the last two years of Covid-19 and other global crises “have slowed down the fight against the HIV pandemic, reduced funding, and put millions of lives at danger.”

Brillantes said the 2030 target to eradicate AIDS as a danger to world health is only eight years away and that inequalities in economic, social, cultural, and legal spheres must be urgently addressed since it increases the risks for everyone during a pandemic.

“In fact, AIDS cannot be eradicated unless the imbalances that fuel it are addressed. Global leaders must lead with courage and accountability. Additionally, everyone must do every effort to assist in addressing these disparities,” she stressed.

Representatives from various concerned agencies and organizations will meet on October 20 at the City Health Services Office (CHSO) to discuss the city’s activities for its observance of this year’s World AIDS Day. – Gaby B. Keith