By: Fatoumatta krubally
The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the National AIDS Secretariat and partners, marked World AIDS Day with a commemoration event in the coastal settlement of Tanji. The theme for this year, “Take the Rights Path,” emphasized the importance of protecting human rights in the fight against HIV/AIDS on Saturday, December 7, 2024.
The event was attended by a range of dignitaries, including the regional Governor of the West Coast Region, Mr. Ousman Bojang, who welcomed the participants and highlighted the importance of continued efforts in the HIV response. The regional Governor noted the progress made in the region, particularly in increasing access to treatment and reducing stigma, but emphasized the need for a more robust approach moving forward. Governor Bojang stated, “We are lucky to have the only regional Aids treatment center, Hands on Care, in our region. We have achieved a lot, but we need a more robust approach in the future.”
The Director of the National AIDS Secretariat, Mr. Alpha Khan, reiterated the significance of upholding human rights in the HIV response, stressing the importance of inclusivity and community engagement. He highlighted the progress made in increasing access to testing and treatment in The Gambia but also acknowledged the challenges that remain, such as financing and reaching key populations. He emphasized, “Ending AIDS requires that we reach and engage everyone who is living with, at risk, or affected by HIV, especially including people who have been most excluded and marginalized.”
Mrs. Ndella Faye Colley, Executive Director of ActionAid The Gambia, commended the collaborations and partnerships in the national HIV response, emphasizing the importance of listening to and responding to the needs of affected communities. She underscored the role of human rights in all interventions and called for continued multisectoral collaboration to eliminate inequalities. She stated, “Community engagement and inclusivity have been key in reaching this far in accessing HIV services. Let’s continue to listen to the voices of affected communities.”
Ms Karl Frederick Paul, the UN Resident Coordinator, emphasized the need to protect the rights of all people, particularly those living with or at risk of HIV. He highlighted the progress made globally in the fight against HIV/AIDS but also pointed out the challenges that persist, including barriers to accessing life-saving treatments. “HIV succeeds in sowing silence and misinformation, so let us break the silence together.”
The First Lady of The Gambia, H.E. Fatoumatta Bah Barrow, launched the “We Are Equal” campaign to promote gender equality in the fight against HIV/AIDS. She linked the campaign to World AIDS Day, emphasizing the importance of addressing the unique vulnerabilities faced by women, girls, and adolescents in the context of HIV/AIDS. She emphasized, “No one should face stigma or discrimination for seeking care. Let us choose the right path by promoting compassion and advocating for equal rights for all.”
The event also featured performances by the police band, as well as the reading of the national anthem. Participants included members of the National Assembly, secretaries, regional Governors, ministers, and community members from Tanji. The commemoration served as a reminder of the need to continue working towards ending HIV/AIDS by 2030 while ensuring that the rights of all individuals are protected.