A ranking Officer of the Armed Forces of Liberia has called for concerted efforts in combating the scourging effects of the HIV and AIDS virus in the country.
The Assistant Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia for Medical Services Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Kowo said HIV and AIDS is still a global threat to peace, human right and the happiness of individuals and their communities.
Delivering the Oration at this year’s world AIDS DAY in Monrovia, the AFL Officer said more than one thousand Liberians died every year from HIV and AIDS associated causes around the country.
Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Kowo informed the audience that Community groups and organizations should play a pivotal role in protecting the human rights of HIV and AIDS carriers so that they feel happy living in their communities without discrimination.
The Armed Forces Medical Chief reminded the audience that this year’s theme: COMMUNITIES LEAD WITH EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY was critical as many countries in Africa have achieved important WHO benchmarks through strong community involvement and protection of human rights of their neighbors living with HIV and AIDs.
He named Botswana, Eswatini, Tanzania and Zimbabwe as countries that have met the UNAIDS and WHO global targets through strong community support to people living with HIV and AIDs
Dr. Kowo called on stakeholders in the health sector to continue to work to protect specific groups affected by aids such as female sex workers and long-distance truck drivers. He said marginalized communities, women, and young people also disproportionately bear the burden.
LTC COL. Kowo said policymakers should also fight discrimination as it hinders access to testing, treatment, and care.
The United Nations General Assembly set aside December 1st each year as World AIDS DAY for policymakers and global leaders around the world to organize programs that highlight the dangers of the HIV and AIDs virus on the society
