HIVT4P
Ending HIV soon is more achievable than many people realize. We now know that antiretroviral therapy (ART) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can significantly reduce HIV-related illness and curb transmission rates. Ensuring that everyone can access these tools, regardless of background or social status, lies at the heart of this community-driven statement. Below, you will find the core principles that demand equal access, highlight personal choice, and uphold the dignity of every individual affected by HIV. If you agree, please sign this statement to show your support.
The Importance of ART
Most clinical guidelines, including those from UNAIDS and the World Health Organization, recommend ART for all people living with HIV. Studies have shown that early ART use boosts immune function and reduces the likelihood of complications. Seizing these benefits early can save lives, yet many communities still encounter barriers such as high costs, patent restrictions, and limited healthcare infrastructure.
People living with HIV want sustained access to ART, but supply gaps threaten this consistency. Frequent stockouts heighten the risk of drug resistance and treatment failure. Faced with shortages, entire communities may lose trust in healthcare systems, feeling left behind and marginalized. Furthermore, training for healthcare workers should complement ART delivery so that individuals receive proper care, including routine viral load and CD4 count monitoring.
Freedom and Personal Choice
While ART undeniably offers life-saving benefits, its usage should remain voluntary. Feeling ready to start medication greatly influences adherence and overall well-being. This right to choose, reflected in international covenants like the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, prevents coercion and preserves personal autonomy.
For many people living with HIV, ART also provides assurance that they are less likely to pass on the virus to their partners. The ability to free oneself from guilt, fear, or stigma should be a benefit, not a duty that others impose. Healthcare workers who understand the active role of counseling build supportive environments, fostering trust rather than exerting pressure.
PrEP for HIV-Negative Individuals
PrEP is emerging as a powerful prevention strategy for people at risk of HIV. Like ART, it relies on HIV medication, but it serves those who are HIV negative by preventing the virus from taking hold in the body. Individuals who opt to use PrEP can enjoy relief from anxiety and fear of infection, especially in high-incidence regions or populations.
Nonetheless, choosing to start PrEP remains a personal decision. Nobody should feel obliged to take it simply to meet social expectations. Effective use of PrEP requires comprehensive information, regular HIV testing, and consistent availability of necessary drugs. In many countries, patents keep prices high, making it difficult to expand access. By removing patent barriers and lowering costs, we pave the way for more people to benefit from this protective measure.
Comprehensive Prevention Strategies
No single tool alone can end HIV. Even when ART and PrEP are broadly available, complementary services must remain in place. People benefit from:
- Voluntary HIV testing and counseling that respects privacy and informed consent.
- Sexual health services that prevent other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- Access to condoms, lubricants, and support for safer drug use.
- Community outreach that includes historically marginalized populations.
When these services operate in tandem, individuals not only reduce their HIV risk but also build confidence in healthcare systems. Those who feel safe and understood are more likely to seek regular health check-ups and encourage others to do the same.
Upholding Rights and Dignity
Health is a fundamental right enshrined in multiple international agreements, including Article 12 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Restricting access to ART or PrEP undercuts this right. Equally, adopting laws or policies that stigmatize or criminalize certain groups weakens public health efforts, leaving people in fear instead of building communities around care.
By embracing an archetype of the caretaker, we cultivate collective well-being. Actively reaching out to undocumented migrants, people who use drugs, and other marginalized populations ensures no one is forgotten. True prevention and treatment guidelines must serve people first, regardless of identity.
A Call to Sign the Statement
We invite everyone, from healthcare professionals to policymakers and community members, to endorse these principles. Adding your name signifies support for:
- Universal, free access to ART for people living with HIV.
- Respect for personal choice and voluntary treatment decisions.
- PrEP availability for all who need it, without coercion and with proper support.
- Inclusive prevention programs that reach every segment of society.
When each person’s dignity is upheld and their opportunities to stay healthy are expanded, we move closer to ending HIV for good. By integrating these principles into future treatment and prevention guidelines, we stand together against stigma, discrimination, and the spread of the virus. Let us collectively ensure that no one is left behind on this path toward an HIV-free world.
To learn more about effective HIV initiatives or to join global efforts, consult resources such as UNAIDS or the World Health Organization’s HIV Guidelines. Sign this statement, advocate for better policies, and help create a tomorrow where HIV no longer claims lives or opportunities
