Islamabad (Web Desk): World Aids Day is being observed today (Monday) across the globe including Pakistan.
This year the theme of the day is “Overcoming Barriers and Changing the Attitude towards AIDS”.
In his message on World AIDS Day, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for urgent action to eliminate the stigma surrounding AIDS and to end discriminatory treatment of those living with the disease.
The premier highlighted the importance of ensuring treatment access, adopting modern healthcare approaches, and fostering community engagement to shift public perceptions of HIV/AIDS.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office Media Wing, the premier said, “Pakistan stands united with the global community in affirming its commitment to tackling major public health challenges like AIDS and protecting everyone from this disease.”
He noted that the federal government, in collaboration with provincial authorities, is determined to ensure that local initiatives produce meaningful outcomes.
PM Shehbaz emphasized that protecting health is a fundamental right and that the government prioritizes equal opportunities for prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care for all citizens.
This year, the observance of World AIDS Day revolves around the theme “Overcoming Barriers and Changing the Attitude Towards AIDS,” which he said highlights the need to face new challenges with renewed commitment.
The premier remarked that the HIV epidemic has tested health systems globally and underscored the need for comprehensive strategies to fight the disease while strengthening healthcare infrastructure.
He stressed that changing public attitudes toward HIV is critical. “While governments work to improve healthcare efficiency and accessibility, it is equally important to listen to those living with HIV,” he said.
PM Shehbaz added that compassion, innovation, and sustained investment in health services are essential for governments to expand and diversify their response to HIV.
Acknowledging progress in AIDS treatment, he said there is still significant work to be done in improving diagnosis, treatment access, and public awareness. “We must address these challenges together, with empathy and determination,” he noted.
PM Shehbaz concluded by underlining the government’s priorities in combating AIDS: expanding treatment availability, eliminating discrimination, and preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
World AIDS Day was first launched in 1988 by two public information officers at the World Health Organization, creating a dedicated day to focus on global health. Since then, December 1 has served as an annual reminder of the ongoing fight against HIV.
The day is meant to show support for people living with HIV and to bring voices together, allowing communities to share stories, honor the memories of those who have died, and stand united against the epidemic. It also provides an opportunity to strengthen and connect programs and policies that address HIV/AIDS across various sectors.
Despite major advances in understanding and treating the disease since AIDS was first identified in 1981, HIV remains a critical public health concern.
World AIDS Day encourages reflection on the more than 32 million lives lost worldwide to AIDS-related illnesses and underscores the need for continued action.
Each year, organizations ranging from United Nations (UN) agencies to national governments and civil societies join efforts to run campaigns highlighting different aspects of HIV awareness, prevention, and support.