Education for Better Outcomes: World AIDS Day

Today marks World AIDS Day. Since 1988 communities around the world have come together on December 1st to show solidarity against the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS and shine a light on solutions to the global epidemic. 

There remains no known cure for HIV, but increased access to preventative measures and education have been shown to significantly reduce infection rates. In addition, developments in antiretroviral therapy have created a world in which HIV is a manageable chronic health condition, and people diagnosed with HIV can have long and fulfilled lives. 

In 2023 there were an estimated 39.9 million people globally living with HIV, with an estimated 1.3 million people infected with HIV across the year.

The WHO’s African Region remains disproportionately impacted by the disease, with one in every 30 adults living with HIV, accounting for more than two thirds of the people living with HIV worldwide.  

Lack of education remains one of the biggest barriers to reducing levels of HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa and preventing further infection. 

Fewer than one in three young people have accurate knowledge about HIV transmission and prevention in sub-Saharan Africa, with awareness lowest among poor, less educated women in rural communities. This is reflected in infection rates, which stand at 2.3% higher than the global average among young women and girls aged between 15 and 24 in eastern and southern Africa. 

Studies have continuously demonstrated the correlation between higher levels of education around HIV/AIDS and a reduction in infection. Enabling this critical education is the key priority of Haller’s health outreaches connected to family planning and sexual health. 

The sessions help women in rural smallholder communities around Mombasa improve their understanding of how the disease spreads, and how it can be prevented, as well as providing contraceptives to encourage safe sexual practices. The sessions also provide a safe space to supplement sexual health education in schools, which is often not fully comprehensive. 

This year our team has spoken with over 400 patients in these sessions, work which would not be possible without the continued support of the wider Haller community. 

If you’re interested in partnering with us, don’t hesitate to get in touch. If you want to support our mission to improve the livelihoods of smallholder communities around the world, you can donate to Haller here.