UNAIDS celebrates real-life hereos
UNAIDS has acknowledged the efforts of individuals, groups working together to make a difference in the lives of persons living with HIV.
“UNAIDS will continue to support and advocate for those working to end suffering and injustice, promote peace, and sustain human rights – not just on World Humanitarian Day, but every day, “Angela Trenton-Mbonde, UNAIDS Country Director for Ghana said.
Every year, on World Humanitarian Day, UNAIDS acknowledges the critical contributions of community-led organizations that are providing a lifeline to underserved, marginalized, and hard-to-reach populations around the world.
“UNAIDS understands that everyday individuals stand up to ensure they and their families, partners, and friends can access HIV testing, treatment, and care services.UNAIDS appreciates that these communities are a cornerstone of the response to HIV”
“These individuals stand up to counter stigma and discrimination. They demand respect and engagement in decisions that affect people’s lives. These are #RealLifeHeroes, usually unsung, always navigating fragile settings that are unstable, unpredictable, and volatile.” she added.
Acknowledging the efforts of front lines workers especially doing the global pandemic, she said: “volunteers may be stretched like never before, but they are continuing with ongoing lifesaving work to help people affected by HIV, even as they fight an invisible epidemic and make do with ever-dwindling funding”.
“UNAIDS salutes these heroes who help maintain access to lifesaving HIV treatment. These are the #RealLifeHeroes who stand on the front line, building grassroots resilience so that no one is left behind in the goal of universal health coverage, including free and fair access to HIV-related services. she added
Background
World Humanitarian Day is an international day observed on 19th August.
It is dedicated to recognizing humanitarian personnel and those who have lost their lives working for humanitarian causes
This years celebration was in partnership with 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO, and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals.