Freetown—The National AIDS Secretariat (NAS) has revealed that 77,000 people are living with HIV/AIDS in Sierra Leone, with approximately 70,000 actively responding to treatment.
The disclosure was made by NAS Director General Abdul Rahman Sesay during a press conference ahead of World AIDS Day.
Sesay highlighted that HIV/AIDS has become a manageable condition and encouraged citizens to get tested and start treatment early to suppress the virus and prevent further transmission. This year’s World AIDS Day theme, “Take the Right Path: My Health, My Right,” underscores the significance of personal health responsibility and equitable access to care.
The NAS Director General celebrated the country’s strides toward the ambitious 98/98/98 target, which aims to diagnose, treat, and achieve viral suppression for 98% of people living with HIV by 2025. However, he warned that stigma and discrimination remain major barriers, labeling them as critical human rights issues.
Jane Kalweo, UNAIDS Country Representative, echoed these sentiments, noting that stigma discourages people from getting tested or seeking treatment.
She called on Sierra Leoneans to take proactive steps in knowing their status and accessing care, emphasizing that ending stigma is crucial to eliminating AIDS.
Dr. Victor Popoola of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation reaffirmed the commitment of international partners in supporting Sierra Leone’s efforts to control the epidemic. He warned that stigma could undermine progress and called for collective action to ensure a future free from HIV/AIDS.
Sierra Leone’s ongoing initiatives, bolstered by heightened awareness and improved healthcare access, provide hope for controlling HIV/AIDS and fostering healthier communities.
