The National Aids Commission is calling for political commitment and resource allocation to support national response amid global funding challenges.
By Bridgett Milton
Monrovia, Liberia, November 21, 2024 – The Chairperson of the National Aids Commission, Dr. Cecelia J. Nuta, calls for bold political commitment and increased domestic resource allocation to support the country’s HIV response amid global donor funding challenges.
“The fight against the spread of HIV remains a national priority that requires our collective efforts, partnership, and collaboration; we call for a united front to address structural barriers such as stigma and discrimination that impede access to HIV testing and treatment services,” Chairperson Nuta says.
She notes that inadequate domestic resource allocation for HIV response in Liberia continues to undermine efforts to sustain gains beyond 2030, stressing that it is time now to own and sustain these achievements as a country.
She spoke here Wednesday, November 20, at the launch of activities to commemorate the 36th World AIDS Day under the national theme “One Goal, One Fight: Ending AIDS Together in Liberia.” The NAC boss emphasizes the need for collective efforts in tackling HIV and sustaining progress.
She explains that this year’s World AIDS Day is globally themed, “Collective Action, and Sustain and Accelerate HIV progress,” which aligns with Liberia’s commitment to ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
Dr. Nuta announced that with support from UNAID, NAC has initiated the development of a National HIV Sustainability Roadmap to transform Liberia’s HIV response into a more self-reliant system. The roadmap will prioritize increased domestic financing, as outlined in the updated National HIV and AIDS Strategic Plan (2021-2026).
She acknowledges partners’ contributions, including PEPFAR, the Global Fund, UN agencies, and civil society organizations, for their unwavering support in combating HIV in Liberia.
“We also recognize the efforts of civil society organizations that continue to stand up for the voiceless and the donor community for their commitment to the national HIV response.”
At the same time, she appeals to policymakers, private sector actors, and community leaders to play active roles in sustaining gains made over the years.
Ahead of the main event on December 2, 2024, at the Invincible Park in Sinkor, NAC unveils a series of pre-activities to raise awareness and address stigma. These include mass media campaigns, community outreach in schools, markets, churches, mosques, and stakeholder engagements to establish a National Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) Program.
“Community outreach will engage opinion leaders to reduce HIV-related stigma and discrimination while creating demand for HIV testing,” Dr. Nuta adds.
The week-long commemoration will culminate in an indoor program featuring a cross-section of stakeholders.
She urges Liberians to rally behind the national theme, reiterating the importance of collective action. “We want to humbly appeal to all state actors, policymakers, and the private sector to get involved.”
Every year, Liberia joins the rest of the world to commemorate World AIDS Day. The day was set aside by the Joint United Nations Program on AIDS (UNAIDS) in 1988 to provide an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show support for people living with HIV, and remember those who have died of AIDS-related complications.
Since then, World AIDS Day has been commemorated on December 1 annually. Editing by Jonathan Browne
