On December 1st, World AIDS Day, the media, institutions, and society often focus their attention on this pandemic that has affected us for decades. However, HIV doesn’t disappear during the other 364 days—it exists all year round. For people living with the virus, for those working in prevention, and for all affected communities, HIV is a constant reality.
Thinking about the virus only one day a year contributes to its invisibility and reduces the urgency of a comprehensive and sustained response. This is essential if we want to achieve the global goal of ending AIDS as a public health issue by 2030.
HIV, Are You There?
Have you noticed if the media you consume talk about HIV beyond December 1st? What about the political spaces you frequent or support? The lack of discussion on the topic not only reflects disinterest but also a lack of understanding of the importance of this public health and human rights crisis, which has been affecting humanity for over 40 years.
HIV is an issue that concerns everyone, directly or indirectly, as it is closely linked to justice, the right to health, equity, and collective well-being. People living with HIV are not “isolated cases”; they are not just numbers. HIV reflects our societies, which still have much work to do regarding comprehensive sexual education, access to healthcare services, and eliminating stigma.
You might think you don’t know anyone with HIV. Perhaps it’s time to ask yourself why this topic hasn’t reached your close circles. People with HIV are everywhere: in your neighborhood, at your workplace, even in your group of friends. The lack of visibility doesn’t mean they don’t exist; it means that stigma and discrimination are still barriers preventing them from living without worrying about hiding their diagnosis.
Ending AIDS Is Possible, But We Must Work for It
The goal of a world without AIDS is a commitment for everyone. It’s true that governments and institutions must provide resources and design health policies, but the rest of society also has a role: to talk about HIV year-round—in everyday conversations, on social media, in schools and workplaces, and within families.
Ending AIDS may seem like an ambitious goal, but today we have the means to achieve it. If 95% of people with HIV receive their diagnosis, 95% of them start treatment, and 95% of the latter reduce their viral load to undetectable levels, the goal can be reached. If all these objectives, known as 95-95-95, are met, very few people with HIV would progress to the AIDS stage, reducing the condition’s impact significantly.
To be part of the HIV response at an individual level, it’s important to educate yourself, bring the topic to the table, and get tested to know your health status. Breaking prejudices surrounding the virus will help build a more supportive and humane environment.
Let’s Talk About HIV for a Better Life
Talking about HIV is talking about human rights. It means recognizing that discrimination, lack of access to treatments, and social inequalities are barriers we must work to eliminate. The problem belongs to everyone, and so does the solution. It’s time for HIV to become part of our daily conversations—not just out of solidarity, but because understanding, preventing, and addressing it benefits society as a whole.
Misinformation and stigma perpetuate fear, and that fear is an obstacle to change. Talking about HIV year-round is a way to break this vicious cycle. Every time we talk about it, listen to those living with the virus, and demand changes in public policies, we take another step toward ending AIDS.
So now you know: take the first step and get tested for HIV. At AHF Latin America and the Caribbean, tests are free, reliable, and fast. Locate our offices in your country or contact us via WhatsApp to schedule your appointment now.
