On World AIDS Day 2023

Rajeev Sadanandan (CEO, HSTP) writes

This year's theme for World AIDS Day, 'Let Communities Lead' reminds us of the lead taken by the communities most affected by the virus to shape a response to the newly emerged virus. The medical fraternity had no response to the disease that was first noticed in the gay community in the US. The community, which had built up a tradition of fighting against discrimination and for their rights, adapted their learning to save their members. Through health education and peer-to-peer communication and support,? they developed the tools that continued to be the mainstay of the AIDS response till medicines became available.?

In India, AIDS prevention led to the empowerment of the worst affected communities who were marginalized due their occupation or practices,? especially female and male sex workers. Communities realised that to protect themselves they had to gain power and fight forces that?were increasingly putting them at risk. Many sex worker groups emerged and while managing the AIDS response, went on to develop social welfare and empowerment measures. Even when donor and government funding was withdrawn, they continued with their groups as the communities had realised the value of collective action by then.?

When tAnti Retroviral drugs became available,??the government was unwilling to provide treatment free of cost. The campaign demanding treatment was carried forward by groups of infected persons. Their efforts, supported by a host of factors, including the emergence of generics from Indian?Pharmaceutical companies which crashed the price of AntiRetrovirals,??led to India providing universal free ART to all infected persons.?

Thus communities have always led on the AIDS response?and continue to do so. Let this year's theme remind us of this fact once again. Let it also enable us to spread this concept to other aspects of health care.