Breaking the Chains: Supporting community leadership and human rights for a sustainable HIV response

Every year the NGO Delegation to the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board (PCB) presents a report on a topic of critical concern to civil society and communities affected by HIV. The report includes recommended decision points.

The topic selected for the 55th meeting of the PCB in December 2024 is “Supporting community leadership and human rights for a sustainable HIV response”. Community leadership is widely considered critical to ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 as per the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.3.

Community-led responses are the cornerstone of an effective HIV response. Communities provide invaluable insights, mobilize local resources and foster trust with the people who are most affected. Their leadership ensures that interventions are grounded in lived realities, tailored to specific needs and capable of addressing inequalities that perpetuate the epidemic. By championing human rights, combating stigma and advocating for equitable access to services, community-led initiatives drive innovation and resilience, helping ensure that no one is left behind. These efforts are not just complementary but are essential for achieving global AIDS goals.