The Gambian Ministry of Health, in partnership with the National AIDS Secretariat and other organizations, has emphasized the urgent need to prioritize human rights to achieve the global goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
During a press briefing marking World AIDS Day on December 1st, representatives highlighted this year’s theme, “Take the Right Path,” which underscores the importance of addressing human rights in the fight against HIV.
Speaking at the event, a Ministry of Health representative, Mr. Alpha Khan, noted significant progress globally in combating HIV. However, he pointed out persistent challenges, particularly in reaching marginalized groups and ensuring their rights are protected. “Ending AIDS requires us to engage everyone affected by HIV, especially those who have been excluded and marginalized,” he stated.
Director of the National AIDS Control Program, Pa Ousman Bah, provided updates on The Gambia’s efforts, including the implementation of the “test and treat all” strategy and differentiated service delivery models to improve access to antiretroviral treatment. Despite progress, Bah acknowledged difficulties in reaching vulnerable populations.
Sierra Horeja Ndow, UNAIDS Country Director, called for urgent action to address human rights violations that hinder efforts to combat AIDS. She stressed the importance of tackling discrimination, gender-based violence, and barriers to education for women and girls, which disproportionately affect their access to HIV services.
“When human rights are violated—when girls are denied education, when violence is ignored, or when people are ostracized because of their identity—access to life-saving HIV services becomes impossible. We must break these barriers to end the AIDS pandemic,” Ndow asserted.
The call to action underscores the importance of inclusive policies and the protection of rights to ensure no one is left behind in the fight to eliminate AIDS.
