Sierra Leone commemorated World AIDS 2013 Day (WAD) on 1 December 2013 on the theme No retreat on HIV. Deliver the promise. The event is one of the biggest health days that is commemorated every year in Sierra Leone and other countries to increase awareness and improve the fight against the HIV/AIDS. Every year the commemoration brings together local and international partners including the UN, the private sector and civil society.
It also attracts high level political participation and a week of activism including social mobilisation and community awareness on the disease. As part of the activities to commemorate the Day, eighty thousand people were targeted to be voluntarily tested across the country.
A nationwide Presidential WAD television broadcast reaffirmed the government’s commitment to attaining zero new HIV infection, zero stigma and discrimination and zero HIV/AIDS related death. Speaking at the function on behalf of the President, Prof. Monty Jones, Special Adviser to the President, reiterated the government’s commitment in attaining the health related MDGs, with particular reference to HIV/AIDS. Prof Jones also highlighted the priority given to HIV/AIDS in the country’s Agenda for Prosperity (Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper).

The Minister of Health and Sanitation (MoHS), Ms Miatta Kargbo, in her statement noted that strong policies and sustained actions are vital in the fight against HIV. She further stated that the Ministry of Health and partners are strongly advocating for a roll out of HIV/AIDS “test for all and treatment for all” in the country. Other speakers including the UN, Network of HIV Infected Persons (NETHIPS), inter-religious council and the private sector pledged their continued support to reduce the burden of HIV/AIDS. They reiterated the need for robust and sustained local resource mobilisation to sustain the progress being made against the disease. Religious leaders through the Interreligious Council pledged to include messages on HIV prevention and control in their regular sermons to their different congregations.

Sierra Leone is making significant strides in the prevention and control of HIV transmission with support from the Global Funds, UN agencies and other partners. The country has stabilized prevalence of the disease at 1.5% for more than 5 years. There has also been significant progress in the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV in the country.

 01 Prof Munty Jones Representing HE The President 02 Ms Kargbo Minister Of Health And Sanitation 03 Dr Rugalema FAO Rep Delivering A Statement 04 Representative Of NETHIPS 05 Scene Of The Venue Of The Commemoration
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