On Zero Discrimination Day 2025, we echo the global call to stand together and recognize communities’ critical role in the HIV response. Under the theme “We Stand Together“, this year’s commemoration highlights the resilience and dedication of community-led organizations in ensuring that all people living with and affected by HIV are treated with dignity and respect.
For over 40 years, communities have been at the forefront of delivering life-saving services, advocating for human rights, and bridging the gaps in healthcare access. Despite these efforts, they face significant challenges, including stigma, discrimination, criminalization, funding cuts, and political backlash. These barriers threaten the sustainability of HIV programs and the broader global health efforts to ensure health equity for all.
Supporting Community-Led Responses
To build a sustainable HIV response, UNAIDS aims for governments, donors, and partners to fulfill their commitments by ensuring:
- Protection and Advocacy: Community-led organizations must be able to deliver essential services and advocate for human rights without fear of discrimination or harassment.
- Legal Recognition and Funding: These organizations should be legally recognized in the countries they operate and receive sustainable funding to continue their crucial work.
- Inclusion of Vulnerable Populations: Communities should be supported in providing health services to marginalized groups, ensuring 8no one is left behind.
- Ending Stigma and Discrimination: Efforts must be strengthened to eliminate stigma, criminalization of key populations, and gender inequalities that hinder access to care.
- Partnership in Health Governance: Government health services should integrate community representatives into their structures to ensure programmes are accessible, inclusive, and aligned with the needs of people living with HIV.
The Role of Communities in Advancing Health Equity
Communities of people living with, at risk of, or affected by HIV play an indispensable role in the fight against HIV. They provide person-centered care, foster trust between healthcare providers and patients, innovate solutions to healthcare challenges, monitor policy implementation, and hold institutions accountable for human rights violations. Their efforts are essential in ensuring that healthcare systems remain inclusive and responsive to the needs of all individuals.
At ARHR, we recognize that achieving health equity requires strong collaboration between governments, civil society, and grassroots organizations. In Ghana, community-led initiatives have been instrumental in expanding healthcare access, promoting education on HIV prevention, and advocating for policies that protect the rights of vulnerable populations. However, to sustain these efforts, there must be continued investment and policy support at all levels.
As we commemorate Zero Discrimination Day, we call on all stakeholders to invest in community-led health interventions, uphold human rights, and eliminate the structural barriers perpetuating health inequities. Together, we can create a future where no one faces discrimination in accessing healthcare.
