President Bio joined U.S. Ambassador David Bryan Hunt in Freetown to mark World AIDS Day 2024, highlighting Sierra Leone’s significant progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS. In a message shared on his X page, President Bio emphasized the country’s strides toward achieving the 95:95:95 targets set by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS).

Over the past six years, Sierra Leone has made substantial progress, with 78% of the 77,000 people living with HIV in the country aware of their status. Additionally, 97% of those aware are receiving treatment, and 45% of those on treatment have achieved viral suppression. These figures reflect the country’s dedication to improving HIV care, testing, and treatment.

On World AIDS Day, President Bio reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the 95:95:95 targets, calling on stakeholders to intensify efforts to expand access to treatment, viral load testing, and HIV prevention services, particularly for pregnant women and children.

The commemoration at the Youyi Building featured key speeches from both national and international figures. U.S. Ambassador David Bryan Hunt delivered a powerful update on the ongoing HIV/AIDS response in Sierra Leone. Ambassador Hunt, who has been a vocal advocate for global health initiatives, reiterated the importance of the 95:95:95 targets, stressing the need for continued collaboration to ensure that 95% of people living with HIV are diagnosed, 95% of diagnosed individuals receive sustained antiretroviral therapy, and 95% of those on treatment achieve viral suppression.

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Minister of Health Austin Demby addressed the event, stressing the importance of combating the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS. He urged healthcare providers and the public to show compassion and support for individuals living with HIV, emphasizing that treatment and care are critical to ending the epidemic.

“The stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS must be eradicated,” Minister Demby said. “We must encourage those affected to stay on their treatment and continue to live healthy, fulfilling lives.”

The event also saw the participation of other key figures, including the Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission, Ms. Patricia Narsu Ndanema, and the Director of the National HIV/AIDS Secretariat, Mr. Abdul Rahman Sesay.

Ambassador Hunt highlighted the success of Sierra Leone’s efforts, noting a 39% reduction in HIV prevalence since 2010. This progress underscores the effectiveness of the nation’s collaborative approach to HIV prevention, treatment, and care, aided by international support and partnerships.

The U.S. Ambassador further emphasized the need for targeted interventions, including increased HIV testing for pregnant women, pediatric care, and efforts to reduce new infections among adults. He applauded the government’s new targets for HIV detection and treatment, which align with global strategies to end AIDS as a public health threat.

In his closing remarks, Ambassador Hunt reiterated the importance of solidarity in the fight against HIV/AIDS. He called on all sectors of society to continue working together to overcome the challenges of the epidemic and to support those living with HIV, emphasizing the critical role of compassion, respect for human rights, and collaboration in achieving public health goals.

The World AIDS Day observance in Freetown served as a timely reminder of the on-going efforts required to combat HIV/AIDS and to protect the rights and dignity of individuals living with the virus. It also highlighted Sierra Leone’s commitment to the global vision of ending AIDS by 2030.