World AIDS Day was observed globally on December 1, with the powerful theme: Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response.
On World AIDS Day 2025, Saint Lucia, led by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, unequivocally reaffirmed our commitment to ending AIDS.
In 2024, 40.8 million people globally were living with HIV. While AIDS-related deaths have fallen by more than half since 2010, the toll is still significant and unacceptable.
The ministry’s statement asserts: “In Saint Lucia, we will continue to strengthen our national response by ensuring access to essential services—including treatment, viral load testing, and prevention.
“We urge all citizens to stay informed, access testing and care, and reject stigma in all its forms. HIV can affect anyone, and in 2025, there should be no deaths from AIDS.
The release continues, “Together, we will achieve a future free of HIV. As we recognize World AIDS Day, take the necessary step to get tested. After all, “Knowledge is Power.”
Additionally, on December 1, the World Health Organisation (WHO) joined partners and communities to commemorate World AIDS Day 2025, emphasizing the theme “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response.” They called for sustained political leadership, international cooperation, and human-rights-centered approaches to end AIDS by 2030.
After decades of progress, the HIV response is at a crucial juncture. Life-saving services are under threat, and many communities face increased risks and vulnerabilities.
Amid these challenges, hope endures in the determination, resilience, and innovation of communities dedicated to ending AIDS.
Prioritize and Integrate
The HIV response is shifting, presenting a critical opportunity to reset.
We will: – Simplify and prioritize access to HIV prevention, testing, and treatment.
– Strengthen management of drug resistance and advanced HIV disease.
– Integrate these services within a primary health care framework that emphasizes strong community-based services.
Countries can and must reach more people in need with comprehensive services, sustaining gains, and building resilient health systems that serve everyone, everywhere.
The WHO emphasizes, “The fight against HIV has never been easy, yet resilience and innovation will continue to define our response.
“As global funding falters, breakthroughs like long-acting lenacapavir—a six-monthly injection to prevent HIV—demonstrate that progress is ongoing. With unwavering commitment and creativity, we will ensure that lifesaving long-acting antiretrovirals for prevention and treatment reach those who need them most.”