World AIDS Day 2025 marks a critical moment to confront a global health crisis that demands our unwavering attention and action. On 1 December 2025, AFEW International joins millions worldwide in observing this day, focusing on the urgent theme: “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response.” But here’s where it gets controversial—despite decades of progress, the fight against HIV/AIDS is facing unforeseen obstacles that threaten to reverse gains.
The current HIV response is truly at a pivotal juncture. Disruptions in vital health services are not just inconvenient—they put lives at risk. Meanwhile, many communities are grappling with intensified challenges that increase vulnerability to HIV. Yet amid all this uncertainty, there is a powerful story of resilience. Communities affected by HIV are not backing down; they are innovating and adapting with determination to alter the course of this epidemic.
In the Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA) region, HIV remains a pressing public health concern. Data from 2024 reveals that HIV prevalence remains alarmingly elevated among key populations. What makes this situation even more complex is the intersection of multiple hardships—poverty, stigma, and social marginalization—that many face simultaneously. These factors create formidable barriers to accessing essential health and social services. The combined burden of HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and hepatitis C in these communities is disproportionately large, underscoring an urgent need for targeted interventions.
Since its founding in 2001, AFEW International has dedicated itself wholeheartedly to removing these barriers in the EECA region. Our work is firmly rooted in the unwavering belief in human rights and the power of community involvement. We don’t just deliver aid; we champion the rights of marginalized groups, co-create solutions with those directly impacted, and confront the stigma that surrounds HIV, TB, and hepatitis head-on. Moreover, we strive to build nurturing environments where affected individuals can thrive, and foster collaboration across divides—connecting governments, civil society, scientists, and healthcare workers between East and West.
On this World AIDS Day, AFEW International renews its pledge to walk alongside communities, fight for human dignity, and revolutionize how the AIDS response unfolds in EECA. The road ahead demands bold political will, strengthened international partnerships, and solutions driven by those most affected. Together, we can not only overcome current disruptions but also make tangible progress towards ending AIDS by 2030.
What are your thoughts? Is the global community doing enough to support these vulnerable populations? Or are there overlooked challenges we need to address to truly transform the AIDS response?
—Yuliya van Polanen, Executive Director, AFEW International, on behalf of the entire AFEW International team
For more information, visit https://www.unaids.org/en/2025-world-aids-day
