Global Solidarity, Shared Responsibility
World AIDS Day, December 1, is a day to reflect on the progress that has been made in the fight against HIV/AIDS and to honor the memory of those who have passed. This year’s theme selected by UNAIDS, “global solidarity, shared responsibility,” embraces a renewed consciousness and commitment in combatting disease and recognizes the multi-dimensional aspects of global health while underscoring the idea that “no one country can do it alone.”
There is no doubt that COVID-19 has threatened to roll back decades' worth of progress in the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases among vulnerable communities and low-resource regions of the world. The World Health Organization estimated that a startling 500,000 deaths could be added to mortality rates from AIDS-related illnesses and tuberculosis in sub-Saharan Africa in 2020–2021 if treatment is disrupted for six months or more.
Ciheb is committed to doing all that it can to prevent this dire outcome. Our eight country office teams have redoubled efforts to ensure continuity of HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention services by employing innovative methods to monitor and manage patient care, while also expanding and strengthening critical laboratory capacity and conducting cutting-edge research. Our response included developing new data technology, implementing creative antiretroviral therapy distribution methods, and establishing new COVID-19 case-management guidelines and national protocols. Our country directors have highlighted their teams’ ongoing work and achievements during this challenging time. Click on the links below to read their full statements.
Dr. Reson Marima, Interim Botswana Country Director 
"The COVID-19 experience taught us many lessons, particularly how fragile our progress in HIV/AIDS is and how we must remain vigilant and be able to respond quickly to new threats." Read full statement >
Dr. Caroline Ng'eno, Interim Kenya Country Director 
"HIV can only be managed through the collaboration of different actors, sharing of knowledge and successes, and the ownership of forward progress at an organizational and personal level." Read full statement >
Dr. Visopo Harawa, Acting Malawi Country Director 
"One of the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic has been the need for labs to use open testing platforms that can accommodate more than one disease." Read full statement >
Dr. Sylvia Adebajo, Nigeria Country Director 
"Although Nigeria’s journey toward HIV epidemic control had a fitful start, the goal of eliminating AIDS by 2030 may indeed be achieved with strong political will coupled by concerted efforts of partners, civil society, and donors." Read full statement >
Dr. Cyprien Baribwira, Rwanda Country Diretor 
"In Rwanda, we have made remarkable progress toward achieving HIV epidemic control. Among the more significant achievements are the high levels of linkage to care and viral load suppression." Read full statement >
Dr. Robert L. Scheneberger, Zambia Country Director 
"As we celebrate World AIDS Day this year, Ciheb faculty and staff in Zambia stand in solidarity with the people of Zambia and are committed to continuing to meet their health needs." Read full statement >
