Juba, South Sudan – October 31, 2025:
The South Sudan AIDS Commission (SSAC) officially launched the 2025 World AIDS Day (WAD) commomeration which is on 1/ December annually, under the global theme “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response.”
The event brought together representatives from the Ministry of Health (MoH), UNAIDS, UNDP, the Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM), and various civil society organizations (CSOs). The launch served as a platform for partners to renew their commitment to ending AIDS and strengthening South Sudan’s national HIV response.
Government Reaffirms Commitment to End Stigma
Representing the Undersecretary in the Ministry of Health, Madam Yar Manyuon Mayen, Director General for Preventive Health Services, who was the guest of honor of the WAD launch reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the HIV response.
“We appreciate our partners and SSAC for their continuous efforts. Stigma and discrimination remain key barriers to progress, and it will take collective effort to overcome them,” she said.
Madam Yar commended civil society organizations for their ongoing dedication and urged all partners to accelerate progress toward achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, calling for stronger domestic and co-financing of HIV services.
A United Effort in the Fight Against HIV
Hon. Dr. Mama Acol Ayom, the duty chairperson of SSAC, welcomed us with a call for unity and shared responsibility in the fight against HIV.
“The fight against HIV is not the role of SSAC alone; it is everyone’s responsibility,” she emphasized.
Dr. Acol noted that this year’s World AIDS Day commemoration coincides with the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), underscoring the strong link between HIV and GBV.
“HIV and GBV are interlinked — one can lead to the other. It is only right that we commemorate both together as a nation,” she added.
UN Agencies Reaffirm Global Commitment
Representatives from UNAIDS and UNDP reaffirmed their continued support to the Government of South Sudan through the Ministry of Health, SSAC, and other implementing national partners. They pledged to help the country achieve the global 95-95-95 targets despite existing challenges in health financing and service delivery.
According to UNAIDS, as of the end of 2024, an estimated 40.8 million people were living with HIV globally, with 1.3 million new infections and 630,000 AIDS-related deaths. About 30.7 million people were receiving antiretroviral therapy.
Civil Society Calls for Inclusion and Empowerment
Mama Evelyn Letieo, representing NEPWU, encouraged people living with HIV (PLHIV) to remain resilient despite persistent barriers such as stigma and discrimination.
“We must invest in youth-led programs and empower people living with HIV to lead the response,” she said.
She called for increased government investment in domestic HIV financing and for greater inclusion of PLHIV and young people in decision-making and advocacy.
Dr. Jane Alphones, Chairperson of the Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM), emphasized the importance of coordination and transparency in managing HIV response funding. She highlighted ongoing CCM reforms aimed at improving accountability and effectiveness.
Conclusion
The 2025 World AIDS Day launch marked a strong show of solidarity and renewed determination among South Sudan’s government, partners, and civil society. The event emphasized collective action, inclusion, and sustainable financing as key drivers in ending HIV as a public health threat by 2030.
