World AIDS Day, which is commemorated each year on December 1, presents an opportunity for every community to unite in the fight against HIV, show support for people living with HIV and remember those who have died.

HIV is still a reality. South Africa has been constant in its mission to turn the HIV, AIDS, and TB epidemics around and there are notable achievements to celebrate.

More people are receiving antiretroviral treatment, which means HIV infection rates are decreasing. Despite these advances, stigma and discrimination still persist for many people living with, or affected by HIV.

This year the theme of World AIDS Day is ‘Access Equity Rights Now.’

Access Equity Rights Now – is a call to action to work together and reach the people who still lack access to comprehensive treatment, prevention, care and support services.

Access Equity Rights Now – is a call to action to strengthen the commitment to HIV research evidence-based interventions. Access Equity Rights Now -is a call to action to all HIV stakeholders to unite and overcome injustices caused by violence and the exclusion of people on the basis of gender, class, race, nationality, age, geographic location, sexual orientation and HIV status.

Access Equity Rights Now – is a call to action to repeal laws that infringe on people’s human rights and deny communities the ability to participate in the world as equals.

Access Equity Rights Now -reminds us that all our gains will be lost if we do not continue to push forward and build a strong global movement to change the course of the epidemic.

Be committed to end the pandemic.