The President of the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has officially declared Sunday, December 1, 2024, as “World AIDS Day” to be observed throughout the Republic on Monday, December 2, 2024. This proclamation recognizes the United Nations’ significant contributions in the fight against HIV and AIDS. The theme for this year’s World AIDS Day is ‘COLLECTIVE ACTION: SUSTAIN AND ACCELERATE HIV PROGRESS’, with the national theme being ‘ONE GOAL, ONE FIGHT: ENDING AIDS TOGETHER IN LIBERIA’.
The Proclamation urges all Ministries, Government Agencies, local and international organizations, as well as the general public, to join hands with the National AIDS Commission in organizing and implementing appropriate programs to mark the occasion. The Government of Liberia values its citizens as a vital resource and is committed to improving their quality of life by promoting health programs to prevent illnesses and deaths among the population.
The United Nations Joint Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) designates December 1st of each year as ‘World AIDS Day’ to raise awareness about the threat of HIV/AIDS. The Government of Liberia aligns its policies with recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNAIDS to educate and inform the public about the risks of AIDS. Since the first diagnosis of AIDS in 1981, the disease has posed a significant threat to global health, including the people of Liberia.
As we commemorate World AIDS Day, it is essential to reflect on the progress made in combating HIV/AIDS and to reaffirm our commitment to ending the epidemic together. Let us stand united in our efforts to raise awareness, provide support to those affected, and work towards a future free from the burden of HIV/AIDS.
This article was distributed by APO Group on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia.