“Science, medicine, and technology may be the ‘what’ in ending AIDS, but inclusion, empathy, and compassion are the ‘how,’” says Elton John in a powerful call to action for World AIDS Day 2024 (1 December).

This year’s theme, ‘Take the Rights Path‘, highlights the pivotal role of human rights in achieving the goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

As we commemorate the progress made in the fight against HIV/AIDS, we are reminded that the epidemic is far from over. Yet, with innovation, equity, and collective action, a world without AIDS is within reach.

The stats remind us of the incredible progress that’s been made. Globally, 39.9 million people were living with HIV in 2023, with 30.7 million accessing antiretroviral therapy — an astounding increase from just 7.7 million in 2010.

New HIV infections have decreased by 60 per cent since 1995, while AIDS-related deaths continue to decline, thanks to medical advancements and global solidarity.

The challenges

Despite these achievements, inequalities persist. Women and girls account for over half of all people living with HIV, and young women in sub-Saharan Africa are particularly vulnerable. Marginalised communities face higher infection rates due to stigma, discrimination, and restrictive laws, with five times greater HIV prevalence among gay men in countries with punitive policies.

“In far too many countries, people are still criminalised for being who they are or for who they love.” said Alok Vaid-Menon, American comedian and poet.

“When girls cannot get access to education and information, when young women cannot access HIV prevention and testing, they are put at much greater risk of acquiring HIV,” said Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS.

Furthermore, approximately 5.4 million people remain unaware of their HIV-positive status, highlighting the urgent need for expanded testing and education.

The World AIDS Day 2024 report highlights gaps in the realisation of human rights and shows how violations of human rights are obstructing the end of the AIDS pandemic.

The path forward

Innovative treatments, including long-acting injectables, offer hope for more effective prevention and care. However, equitable access is vital. Campaigns like UNAIDS’ 2024 initiative call for the decriminalisation of marginalised groups and a commitment to human rights to ensure no one is left behind.

ITN Business has produced a programme for World AIDS Day 2024 showcasing innovations and advancements in tackling AIDS/HIV. Explore the programme here: HIV: Towards Zero by 2030

Getting access to effective and reliable HIV testing is challenging for local communities living in remote, underserved regions of Africa. Bruker is a company working to transform the landscape of HIV care, providing empowering solutions that make a sustainable and impactful change.

This partner film is produced by the ITN Business commercial team and is not created by ITN news staff journalists. Explore more short films and interviews here.

 

A collective mission

World AIDS Day 2024 is a reminder of the power of compassion, science, and solidarity. By protecting rights, dismantling stigma, and investing in both research and humanity, we can realise the vision of a future free from AIDS — but collaboration and collective action is key to this.

UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organisations — UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank — and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals.  

The World AIDS Day 2024 report shows that the world can end AIDS — if the human rights of people living with or affected by HIV are respected, protected and fulfilled, to ensure equitable, accessible and high-quality HIV services.

As the broadcaster and comedian Stephen Fry said, “The choice is clear if we want to end AIDS as a public health threat. World leaders must take the rights path to protect people’s right to health and life. When human rights are respected and guaranteed, their lives are greatly improved because they can freely seek healthcare, including HIV prevention and treatment.”

For more information or to get involved, visit UNAIDS. 

Our programme for World AIDS Day

Explore…

Films from our partners:

  • Bruker
  • GILEAD
  • Medicines Patent Pool

Thought leadership interviews from:

  • Elton John AIDS Foundation
  • International AIDS Society
  • National AIDS Trust
  • Terrence Higgins Trust

Head here to watch.