By: Saidu Jalloh, Reporter
On December 1, 2024, President Bio joined U.S. Ambassador David Bryan Hunt in Freetown to commemorate World AIDS Day, 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 advancements, 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 government’s dedication to improving HIV care, testing, and treatment. Reaffirming his government’s commitment to the 95:95:95 targets, President Bio called 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 national and international figures. U.S. Ambassador Hunt delivered a powerful update on the ongoing HIV/AIDS response in Sierra Leone, reiterating the need for 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. Minister of Health Austin Demby addressed the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS, urging healthcare providers and the public to show compassion and support for individuals living with the virus. “The stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS must be eradicated,” he stated, emphasizing that treatment and care are critical to ending the epidemic.
The event also included participation from key figures such as 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 noted a 39% reduction in HIV prevalence since 2010, underscoring the effectiveness of Sierra Leone’s collaborative approach to prevention, treatment, and care, aided by international support. He emphasized the need for targeted interventions, including increased HIV testing for pregnant women and pediatric care, while applauding the government’s new targets for HIV detection and treatment.
In his closing remarks, Ambassador Hunt reiterated the importance of solidarity in the fight against HIV/AIDS, calling on all sectors of society to work together to overcome challenges and support those living with HIV. The World AIDS Day observance in Freetown served as a reminder of ongoing efforts required to combat HIV/AIDS and protect the rights and dignity of individuals living with the virus, reinforcing Sierra Leone’s commitment to the global vision of ending AIDS by 2030.
