On 1 December 2014, the African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) celebrated World AIDS Day throughout Darfur, under the theme “Getting to Zero.”

The event in El Fasher, North Darfur, attended by UNAMID Police Commissioner, Ms. Hester Paneras, senior management and staff, as well as representatives from the UN Country Team, included drama performances and a cultural programme. 

UNAMID civilian, military and police personnel conducted a march-past and observed a minute of silence in remembrance of those who have lost their lives to this disease. Additionally, all attendees lit a candle in a symbolic gesture of solidarity for a better, discrimination- and stigma-free life with access to proper treatment for those who are living with AIDS

Addressing the gathering on behalf of the Mission’s Acting Joint Special Representative, Mr. Abiodun Bashua, Ms. Paneras read out the UN Secretary-General’s message on the occasion which called on world leaders to unite to end AIDS by 2030. The message also highlighted progress in responding to the AIDS epidemic and the reduction of new HIV infections by 38 per cent since 2001.

In her remarks, Ms. Margaret Masenda-Simbi, Chief, HIV/AIDS Unit (HAU), UNAMID, underscored the Mission’s commitment to reducing the incidence of AIDS in Darfur and said that HAU continues to work toward providing HIV Counseling and Testing Services to Darfuris across the region and also conducts regular awareness and sensitization campaigns.

She also spoke about HAU’s most recent campaign in Darfur which aims at ensuring that people living with HIV/AIDS know their status and that those diagnosed as HIV+ have access to sustained antiretroviral treatment.