The world can end AIDS – if everyone’s rights are protected. With human rights at the centre, with communities in the lead, the world can end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. 

On 1 December, WHO joins partners and communities to commemorate World AIDS Day 2024 under the theme “Take the rights path: My health, my right!”.  

In this year’s campaign, WHO is calling on global leaders and citizens to champion the right to health by addressing the inequalities that hinder progress in ending AIDS. 

Although the WHO European Region has made progress in tackling HIV, significant challenges remain in identifying and treating cases, as well as preventing new infections in the first place. 

Ending AIDS requires that we prioritize and reach everyone who is living with, at risk for or affected by HIV, including men who have sex with men, transgender people, people who inject drugs, sex workers, and people in prisons and other closed settings, as well as their partners.

Health is a human right

Everyone should have access to the health services they need, including HIV prevention, treatment and care services when and where they need them. Protecting the right to health means ensuring that health care is available to everyone, without any discrimination, regardless of their HIV status, background, gender or where they live. Though progress has been made, challenges in access remain across the Region. 

Stigma and discrimination undermine the fight against AIDS

People living with, at risk for or affected by HIV often experience a double burden of the disease itself and the stigma around it. Challenging stigma and discrimination as well as protecting everyone’s human rights are essential to achieving universal HIV care and breaking down barriers to access.