World AIDS Day 2015:
“Getting to Zero”
Fast Tracking the Process to reach the “three zeros” in
renewed hope and commitment
Introduction
First of December is World AIDS Day. Throughout the world this day is used to increase awareness
around HIV and AIDS and to encourage people to be part of the solution. The multi-year theme is
“Getting to Zero”. This links to the UNAIDS call for zero new infections, zero stigma and
discrimination and zero AIDS related deaths.
We as faith community, as community of believers, is inextricably part of this world bowed down
by the impact of HIV and AIDS. WAD comes coincidentally with advent, a time of great hope for the
salvation of mankind from all forms of bondage. This is why we are also called to be part of the
solution.
There has been a lot of progress in the response to HIV since AIDS was identified some three
decades ago. Global infection rates have begun to decline, fewer babies are being born with HIV
and 15 million people in low- and middle-income countries are now on life-saving anti-retroviral
medicines.
However, much more remains to be done. The number of people newly infected is still higher than
the number of people starting on treatment.
In 2014/2015 UNAIDS estimated:
15 million people were accessing antiretroviral therapy (March 2015)
36.9 million [34.3 million–41.4 million] people globally were living with HIV
2 million [1.9 million–2.2 million] people became newly infected with HIV
1.2 million [980 000–1.6 million] people died from AIDS-related illnesses
In Kenya, the national prevalence rate is at 6%, and the county situation as below:
In addition, people living with or vulnerable to HIV continue to face stigma, discrimination and
violations of their human rights and dignity, which thwart prevention and treatment efforts and
deny them access to comprehensive care and support.
We are at a critical moment in the response to HIV. Progress has been made but it is not enough.
Indeed, the only acceptable statistics here are “Zero new infections, zero stigma and
discrimination and zero AIDS related deaths.” Therefore, this World AIDS Day, we not only come
together to give thanks for what has been achieved but to commit ourselves a new to doing all we
can to achieve the “3 Zero goal”. However faith communities remain the anchor of hope to
mankind irrespective of the situation they may be experiencing.
Reading: Jeremiah 31: 10-14
Hear the word of the LORD, O nations, and declare it in the coastlands far away; say, ‘He who
scattered Israel will gather him, and will keep him as a shepherd a flock.’
For the LORD has ransomed Jacob, and has redeemed him from hands too strong for him.
They shall come and sing aloud on the height of Zion, and they shall be radiant over the
goodness of the LORD, over the grain, the wine, and the oil, and over the young of the flock and
the herd; their life shall become like a watered garden, and they shall never languish again.
Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old shall be
merry. I will turn their mourning into joy, I will comfort them, and give them gladness for
sorrow. I will give the priests their fill of fatness, and my people shall be satisfied with my
bounty, says the LORD.
There’s hope for us to;
• See a day of no more AIDS-related deaths, no more new HIV infections and no more
discrimination in the land of the living
• for change to come in our community, in our lives
• for the scattered to be gathered that all may praise and dance together
• for us to see the end of AIDS
• for us, the church, to be free from ignorance and fear
• for us to recognize God’s Word become flesh and living among us with HIV
Church, we are the Body of Christ. If we choose, we can make a difference through helping bring
newness, hope and peace:
In our homes, in our church, in our community, in our nation, in our world as well as in our
bodies, minds and our spirits.
We are called to respond unto;
-the day of the last new HIV infection and the last child born with HIV;
-the day of the last time that someone is stigmatized or bullied because of HIV
and AIDS;
-the day of the last time that someone dies from this disease.
We pray and act to the last day of HIV.
According to UNAIDS in our present and renewed efforts, “We have what it takes to break the
AIDS epidemic”.
– 15 million people are accessing life-saving antiretroviral therapy, new HIV infections
have been reduced by 35% since 2000 and AIDS-related deaths have been reduced
by 42% since the peak in 2004.
– We are on the Fast-Track to end AIDS through the UNAIDS 2016-2021 strategy target
of 90-90-90.
– To end the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals will
require investment, commitment and innovation to be accelerated.
Through our religious platform, we are called to actively participate through refocusing our
approach to sexuality education, stigma reduction, community mobilization and sensitization and
overcoming the negative gender norms in our congregations and communities.
– Every one of us holds the key to an inclusive, stigma-free, people-centred approach that
leaves no one behind.
– Whoever you are, whatever you do and whoever you love, ending the AIDS epidemic by
2030 will mean that you have access to HIV prevention and treatment services.
– Without discrimination, without judgment … no one will be left behind.
– By 2030, the world can ensure that every child is born free from HIV to healthy parents.
– By 2030: 21 million AIDS-related deaths will be averted.
– 28 million new HIV infections will be averted.
– 5.9 million new HIV infections among children will be averted.
– Ending the AIDS epidemic will change the lives of millions of people and families around
the world for generations to come.
AS IT IS OUR DUTY MAKING PEOPLE DISCIPLES OF CHRIST, IT IS ALSO OUR DUTY
PRESENTING THEM WHOLE AND HEALTHY BEFORE CHRIST
‘’We are religious Leaders; we know our HIV status, knowing your
status is a health issue not a moral issue’’ Religious Leaders in
Machakos County
I am a Bishop. I got Tested for HIV. Your HIV Status is a Medical
Diagnosis, Not a Moral Judgment!
Bishop Dr. Partick Mungai, Evangelical Alliance