However, this milestone can only be achieved if governments and leaders prioritise the protection of human rights for all individuals living with or at risk of HIV.
This year's theme, "My Health, My Right: Take the Right Path", has sparked conversation about the current state of the fight against HIV/AIDS.
According to Kilford Zimondi, the Country Director for Humana People to People in South Africa, the theme is particularly relevant at this stage in the fight against HIV/AIDS. “It’s a critical time in the fight,” he said. “On one hand, we have made significant progress, celebrating victories such as the increasing integration of HIV care into primary health services and the progress towards the 95-95-95 targets, where 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed are on treatment, and 95% of those treated have achieved viral suppression. But we must also acknowledge the critical gaps that remain.”
Zimondi emphasised that there are still key populations and hard-to-reach areas that require urgent attention. Marginalised groups such as men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, and those living in remote or rural areas, are often excluded from HIV services due to stigma, discrimination, or geographical barriers. “Ensuring these individuals have access to services and programmes is key to achieving the end of AIDS,” he stated.
He pointed out that it is essential to focus on securing the rights of these communities and ensuring they receive the care and support they need. “If we can close the last 5% of gaps in the 95-95-95 targets, then nobody will be left behind.”
The UN’s report on the potential to end AIDS by 2030 is encouraging, but Zimondi believes that countries must be more proactive in addressing the challenges that persist. Drawing from his own experience with Humana People to People, Zimondi highlighted the importance of community health workers in reaching these underserved populations. These workers, who are often referred to as “Total Processors” in their local languages, serve as a bridge between remote communities and health services.
“Community health workers can provide vital support in areas that are far from clinics or healthcare centres,” Zimondi explained. “They can offer counselling, education, and referrals, and help link people with health services. It’s also important to ensure that health facilities are welcoming, with tailored services for young people, key populations, and those who might feel uncomfortable in a traditional healthcare setting.”
For Zimondi, his passion for community development and public health, particularly in the fight against HIV/AIDS, began over two decades ago. “It all started by accident,” he admitted. After completing university in the late 1990s, Zimondi joined Humana People to People in 1998, eager to work in community development. At the time, HIV/AIDS was a heavily stigmatised issue, and many were hesitant to engage with it. But the organisation’s inclusive approach allowed Zimondi to understand the needs of the people and the importance of community-based solutions.
In 2000, Zimondi and his colleagues launched the “Total Control of the Epidemic” programme, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering communities to take charge of their own health and combat the HIV/AIDS crisis. The programme focuses on education, mobilisation, and community-led action to reduce the spread of HIV and improve treatment outcomes.
“I realised that the key to overcoming the epidemic is the people themselves,” Zimondi shared. “Only by involving communities directly and respecting their knowledge can we hope to overcome this crisis.”
As the world commemorates World AIDS Day, Zimondi’s work and dedication to community development serves as a reminder that, while progress has been made, the battle against HIV/AIDS is far from over. It is only through a united effort, one that respects the rights of all people and ensures that no one is left behind, that the goal of ending AIDS by 2030 can be realised.
--ChannelAfrica--
