Partnering for effective HIV/AIDS palliative care in sub-Saharan Africa

This Editorial is to commemorate “World AIDS Day” by increasing the awareness of AIDS, its treatment and prevention strategies. Education is the single most crucial factor that can eradicate AIDS. On the World AIDS Day, let us commit ourselves to learning and educating the world the scourge of AIDS. What is World AIDS Day? (http://www.worldaidsday.org/about-world-aids-day.php) World AIDS Day is held on 1 December each year and is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate people who have died. World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day and the first one was held in 1988. Between 2011-2015, World AIDS Days will have the theme of “Getting to Zero: Zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS related deaths”. The World AIDS Campaign focuses on “Zero AIDS related deaths” signifies a push towards greater access to treatment for all; a call for governments and pharmaceutical companies to act now. It is a call to honor promises like the Abuja declaration and for African governments to at least hit targets for domestic spending on health and HIV. (http://www.who.int/campaigns/aids-day/2013/en/) Further Reading: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_AIDS_Day As a tribute on the World AIDS Day AIDS Research and Therapy is publishing five high profile review articles to show our commitment in educating the world of the leading therapeutics and prevention efforts conducted by the dedicated research community. The articles span from Molecular Biology (Wilusz) to Humanities (Ramjee and Daniels) strategies. The goal has been to increase the awareness of therapeutics and suffering of the AIDS afflicted communities in post-HAART (highly active antiretroviral therapy) era. Specifically: Dr. Wilusz presents persuasive arguments for novel potential therapeutics strategies that take into account the unique post-transcriptional events in HIV replication. For example, involvement of HIV TAT protein on highly structured 5’ end of HIV mRNAs and active repression of a promoter proximal signal for HIV polyadenylation. Hsu et al. review serious non-AIDS events (SNAEs) such as malignancies, cardiovascular, renal and hepatic, neurological and bone disorders causing morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected individuals. Since SNAEs are multifactorial, the authors have suggested several novel strategies and interventions to reduce the burden of these disorders. Similarly, the burden of metabolic complications (MC) in HAART treated individuals is high (de Paula et al.). The authors focus on the underlying mechanisms of MC highlighting pathophysiological and epidemiological aspects during HIV infection and during HAART treatment. Management of MC in HIV population is imperative. The article by Achhra and Boyds reviews the clinical trials related to sparing antiretroviral treatment of the major class of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI). The authors described the regimens currently used in NRTI-sparing regimen, their advantages and disadvantages, and the majority of clinical trials related to them. Finally, but most importantly, sub-Saharan Africa bears the brunt of HIV infections accounting for almost two-thirds of world’s HIV infections (Ramjee and Daniels). The worst affected are younger women who have a larger prevalence of infection. Prevention strategies are crucial that take into consideration the socioeconomic and cultural aspects of women at large. It is expected that these articles, on World AIDS Day, will increase the awareness of the AIDS burden and the strategies to combat and prevent it. Let the entire world learn the implications of AIDS so that it can be eliminated in a humanitarian way. Kailash Gupta, Ph.D. Editor-in-Chief AIDS Research and Therapy

World AIDS Day 2022: A bittersweet commemoration of the global HIV/AIDS response.

Pediatric Palliative Care in Sub-Saharan Africa: Understanding the Need, Approaching Solutions (TH327)

The HIV epidemic remains a significant public health challenge, with over 33.4 million people living with HIV worldwide (World Health Organization (WHO), 2010). 1 December is World AIDS Day, the theme of which is ‘Universal Access and Human Rights’

Rights and wrongs

Progress in combating HIV is being undermined by anti-homosexual stigma and repressive legislation in some of the most affected countries, a major human rights charity says. Human Rights Watch points...

World AIDS Day is a moment to reflect on both the achievements and the ongoing challenges of the global HIV response -including the decline in new HIV infections and HIV-related deaths, the expansion of antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage, and the growing concern of drug resistance. At the same time, it reminds us of the remaining obstacles: persistent new infections, unequal progress among populations such as those in conflict-affected or vulnerable settings, and the continuing need for sustained funding and political commitment.As part of this exploration and in recognition of the United Nations World AIDS Day 2023, by 22 of December 2023, a Research Topic of the Frontiers in Public Health entitled "Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps: UN World AIDS Day 2023, was opened and a team of scholars has handled the editorial work as guest editors to facilitate the timely peer-review and publication of relevant manuscripts from multiple studies (1). The Research Topic brings together global scholarship and local experience to reflect on the progress and ongoing challenges in the HIV response.A total of 19 manuscripts were submitted of which seven were rejected. Twelve manuscripts from 46 contributing authors from Ethiopia (4), Uganda (1), Zambia (1), Kenya (1), Namibia (1), South Africa (1), Thailand (1), and China (2), represent Africa and Asia, two most affected contents by the HIV epidemic, were published between 22 December 2023 and 22 June 2024. Population in the studies included adults living with HIV, adolescents living with HIV and their caregivers, other high-risk populations and older people living with HIV/AIDS. Together, these works advance our understanding of the multifaceted determinants of HIV care and the innovative approaches being adopted to close gaps in health systems, psychosocial support, and community engagement. By October 2025, the Research Topic achieved 30,000 views and downloads. In this Research Topic, key thematic areas were discussed including but not limited to:1. Health System Readiness and Differentiated Service Delivery (DSD)-Research from Africa, for example, Kaonga et al from Zambia identified that less than 50% of the facilities had all indicators of availability and readiness, respectively. These findings underscore the importance of capacity building, infrastructure investment, and decentralized care in improving retention and treatment adherence. Community-based DSD models evaluated in Ethiopia (e.g. Merid et al) and Zambia (e.g. Kaonga et al) illustrate how such innovations enhance convenience and continuity, particularly for populations with limited access to traditional health facilities.China focuses on time to viral load suppression, rapid ART initiation, and determinants of time to death. For example, Chen et al from China revealed a significant association between rapid ART initiation and reduced risk of viral failure; and Abeje et al from Ethiopia found that the change in increasing in viral load was high during the latter follow-up period compared to the beginning of the follow-up period.Stigma-Some contributions explore the complex psychosocial terrain of living with HIV. For example, analyses of body mass index (BMI) and perceived stigma by Desta et al found that patients with non-adherent to HAART and poor social support were more likely to suffer from HIV-related perceived stigma. Studies on mental phenotypes among individuals with well-controlled HIV by Rubin et al and on psychosocial and mental health challenges of perinatally infected adolescents by Wanjala et al bring attention to an often-overlooked aspect of the epidemicthe cognitive, emotional, and developmental impacts that persist even in the era of effective treatment. Work on unsuppressed adolescents and their caregivers further illuminates how familial and community support are essential to sustained engagement in care.4. Prevention, Retention, and the Power of Hope-Prevention continues to evolve, as reflected in research examining pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake and retention among high-risk populations by Rayanakorn et al . These insights reinforce the value of differentiated prevention strategies to meet the needs of diverse communities. Finally, a study on hope levels among older people living with HIV by Yu et al from China captures an important, humanistic dimension of the response-reminding us that the goal of HIV care is not only biological control but also psychological resilience, social inclusion, and dignity in aging.We hope that our Edited special issue provides multidimensional evidence to enhance understanding of the factors affecting HIV care and highlights effective approaches to close gaps within the HIV care system.

World AIDS day is observed on December 1 each year. World AIDS Day was first observed in 1988, making it one of the earliest international health days. Its primary purpose has been to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS. In the 1980s, when the HIV/AIDS epidemic emerged, there was widespread fear, stigma, and misinformation about the virus. The first World Health Assembly (WHA) met in 1948 at Geneva. Members of the assembly felt people all over the World suffered in World war. Members discussed global health issues, and felt the need of medical facility for everyone, when they are in need. Hence WHA stressed the importance of awareness of good health and wellbeing. To achieve this awareness about global health, all the members of World Health Organization (WHO), should devote 1 day to talk about good health and wellbeing, and also should provide the necessary medical help. Government organizations and non-governmental organizations of all nations joined hands with WHO. WHO decided to observe “World Health Day (WHD)” every year all over the World. The first WHD was observed on April 7 1950.1 Mahatma Gandhi, father of the Nation deeply sympathized towards the leprosy patients in India. On 30th January 1948, Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated, Government of India decided to observe “Martyrs day 30th January 1948” as “Anti-Leprosy Day in India”. Every year, in India January 30th is observed as anti-leprosy day and entire January month, survey of all villages to detect leprosy cases, school health programme and leprosy awareness programme for common man are conducted. In 1954 French journalist Raoul Follereau saw the success of anti-leprosy awareness activities in India, and he wanted WHA to observe last Sunday of January as World Leprosy Day (WLD)”. Since 1954, every year “Last Sunday of every year is observed as World Leprosy Day”. In 1982, 24th March is observed as “World Tuberculosis Day (WTD)”. Dr. Jonathan Mann made WHA to devote one day in a year to know the increasing menace of HIV/AIDS in 1988. WHA decided to observe 1st December as “World Aids Day (WAD)” since 1988. In 1991, November 14th “World Diabetes Day (WDD)” is observed. In 1992, December 3rd “World Disability Day (WDD)” is observed. In 2007, April 25th “World Malaria Day (WMD)” is observed. Keywords WHA, WHO, WHD, WLD, WAD, WTD

The world continues to fight HIV, as global leaders have pledged to work towards gaining universal access to HIV and AIDS treatment, prevention and care, thereby recognizing these as fundamental human rights. According to one source, millions of people are continually infected with HIV every year, while less than half of those in need of antiretroviral therapy are receiving it, and too many do not have access to adequate care services. The theme for the second year running of World AIDS Day celebration is “Universal Access and Human Rights”, which demonstrates an increasing clamour to gain access to HIV treatment services. Thus, there is need for a greater commitment around the world, if the aim of gaining universal access to HIV services is to be accomplished. Key words: Human immunodeficiency virus/Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, universal access and human rights, treatment, prevention.

What next for UNAIDS?

World AIDS Day, observed 1st December each year, is dedicated to increasing awareness, fighting prejudice, imparting education and raising money to fight the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection.. AIDS has killed more than 25 million people, with an estimated 33.2 million people living with HIV according to 2007 UNAIDS global estimate, making it one of the most destructive epidemics in recorded history.2008 marks the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day. Since 1988, the challenges and answers to AIDS have greatly changed. While many of these changes are encouraging, all stakeholders fighting against AIDS have to think how much more still need to be done.

The untapped potential of palliative care for AIDS

BackgroundWorld AIDS Day has been observed on the first of December every year. Whilst there are specific themes during the commemoration, the role of conflict on HIV seems neglected and needs prioritization given the rise of conflicts globally.DiscussionThe global HIV response brought substantial reduction of new HIV infections and HIV-related deaths, and increment of antiretroviral therapy coverage. Nevertheless, there is substantial inequity on the benefit of the response. Individuals with HIV in conflict zones have suffered immensely and are often neglected. The fact that the level, intensity, and number of conflicts is increasing mean more HIV people in conflict or post-conflict settings such as in Ethiopia, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar, Yemen Russia and Ukraine are at risk of negative HIV care and treatment outcomes. In particular, some conflicts such as the case of Ethiopia’s Tigray have been marked by severe public and humanitarian crises, including medical siege, intentional damage of healthcare infrastructure, targeted attacks on health workers, displacement, and appalling incidents of conflict-related sexual violence. Yet, people living with HIV in these conflict settings seem often overlooked. It is crucial to address the unique challenges in these areas to achieve the goals of AIDS/HIV care.ConclusionThere is no ideal forum to remind the intricate relationship between conflict and the HIV epidemic other than the World AIDS Day. Thus, this this year’s World AIDS Day should focus on prioritizing on tackling the direct and indirect effects of conflict on HIV transmission and treatment. This way, we can achieve the ambitious UNAIDS 95-95-95 goals and Ending AIDS by 2030.

Time to end discriminatory laws against people with HIV.

1 December will mark the thirteenth World AIDS Day and the culmination of the 2001 World AIDS Campaign. The purpose of World AIDS Day is to raise awareness of the disease and to encourage changes in attitudes towards people with HIV and AIDS. The National AIDS Trust is responsible for coordinating World AIDS Day activities in Britain. It claims that increasing public knowledge and understanding of the issues will benefit …