Naniniwala ang United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) na malaki ang papel ng komunidad para magkaroon ng pagbabago kaugnay sa pananaw ng publiko sa nasabing sakit.
Sa mensahe ni UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima kasabay ng World AIDS Day ngayong taon, sinabi nito na ang mga komunidad ang pinakamagandang pag-asa para matuldukan ang AIDS dahil sa simula pa lamang ay marunong nang lumaban ang mga ito.
Narito pa ang bahagi ng mensahe ni Byanyima:
“On World AIDS Day, UNAIDS salutes the achievements of activists and communities in the struggle against HIV. We remember and we honour all those whom we have lost along the way. Activists challenged the silence and brought life-saving services to their communities. But the countless contributions by women and many others can never replace the responsibility of governments.
Let me remind you, governments committed to at least 30% of HIV services being community-led.
They also agreed that 6% of all HIV funding go to community mobilization, promoting human rights and changing harmful laws that act as barriers to ending AIDS.
Let’s be clear, defending human rights and challenging discrimination, criminalization and stigma is risky work today.
So, we call on governments to open a space so that activists can do the work they do best.
With communities in the lead and governments living up to their promises, we will end AIDS.”
Samantala, maging si 2019 Miss Universe Philippines Gazini Ganados ay nakikiisa sa paggunita sa taunang World AIDS Day.
Nag-post ito ng larawan ng kulay pulang laso na siyang universal symbol ng kaalaman at suporta para sa mga taong mayroong HIV (human immunodeficiency viruses).
Ayon sa pambato ng bansa sa nalalapit na Miss Universe coronation, hangad nito na magtulungan sambayanan sa kahit anong paraan upang mabawasan ang nilikhang “stigma” o takot dahil sa HIV/AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
“Get tested and be informed about your status! Ignorance and prejudice are fueling the spread of a preventable disease. We can end AIDS together. You are not alone,” dagdag pa ni Ganados.
Sa darating na December 9 (Manila time), tatangkain nito na maibigay sa bansa ang panglimang Miss Universe crown.
