South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Jenifer James
About 67,462 are not able to access Antiretrovirals (ARVs) in South Sudan, according the Vice President for Service Cluster.
Hussein Abdelbagi Akol, said on Tuesday during the 17th World AIDS Day celebration in Juba that 72,538 people living with HIV out of 140,000 infected people are accessing ARVs in around 189 treatment centers established by the government.
Abdelbagi also noted a decline in new HIV infections, from 11,000 in 2022 to 8,100 in 2023.
He called for collective efforts with partners in combating the HIV epidemic through community-driven leadership, equitable healthcare, and focusing on the human rights aspect.
Abdelbagi emphasized South Sudan’s improved performance in meeting the global HIV/AIDS targets, including the immediate initiation of treatment for individuals testing positive, regardless of their CD4 count.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to increase the health sector funding to meet the 15 percent target under the Abuja Declaration.
Abdelbagi called for robust engagement with youth in a bid to raise awareness on HIV, adding that the youth make up 70 percent of the population and are the most sexually active demographic.
He called for emphasis to be put on behavioral change and responsible living in order to fight HIV.
Paulino Lukudo, Deputy Governor of Central Equatoria State called for an end to stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV.
“We must raise awareness, support those living with HIV, and honor those who have passed on from AIDS-related illnesses,” Lukudo said.
He emphasized the universal nature of health rights and urged families and communities to stop discriminatory practices immediately.
Lukudo acknowledged challenges such as limited healthcare facilities but stressed the state’s zero-tolerance policy towards discrimination against people living with HIV.
Lole Laila Lole, Executive Director of South Sudan Persons Living with HIV and AIDS, highlighted the theme of the 2024 World AIDS Day theme “Take the Rights Path” underscores the importance of free and equitable healthcare access and human rights protection.
Lole urged the removal of barriers such as stigma, discrimination, and gender inequality, adding that these hinder access to essential health services.
“Upholding human rights is critical to achieving the global goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030,” he said.
