On World AIDS Day, observed annually on 1 December, Ambassador Dr. Haifa Abu Ghazaleh, Assistant Secretary-General and head of the Social Affairs Sector, stressed the imperative for collective action to combat the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Dr. Abu Ghazaleh called for concerted efforts to eradicate stigma and discrimination against individuals affected by HIV, ensuring their access to appropriate treatment. This commitment aligns with broader initiatives aimed at achieving the third Sustainable Development Goal, which targets the end of AIDS by 2030.
Highlighting the League of Arab States' commitment, particularly within the Social Affairs Sector and the Department of Health and Humanitarian Aid, Dr. Abu Ghazaleh underscored the importance of fostering collaboration with key organisations such as the United Nations Population Programme for the Arab States, the Joint United Nations Programme on AIDS, and the Regional Office of the World Health Organisation for the Eastern Mediterranean. Together with the directors of national AIDS programmes in Arab member states, they are actively engaged in updating the Arab Strategy to Combat AIDS 2014-2020. This strategic framework, initially endorsed by the Council of Arab Health Ministers in 2014, aims to reduce HIV infection rates, eliminate new infections among children, significantly decrease maternal mortality associated with AIDS, and provide comprehensive support for those living with the virus.
Dr. Abu Ghazaleh emphasised the significance of World AIDS Day as an opportunity to showcase global solidarity and integration, with a clear focus on achieving the 2030 goal. The League of Arab States is committed to dedicating the necessary resources and intensifying efforts to raise public awareness, especially targeting groups at higher risk of HIV infection. This includes implementing preventive measures, ensuring access to treatment, and providing support and care services for mobile populations, particularly displaced persons, refugees, and migrant workers. The ambassador stressed the ongoing commitment to protecting future generations from the impact of HIV and urged continued vigilance in allocating resources and spreading awareness through media and educational materials.
