AS Jamaica celebrates its Emancipation and 61 years of Independence, it is a time to reflect on the nation’s progress, challenges, and collective aspirations and renewed commitments to achieve Vision 2030, the National Development Plan.

Amidst this celebration, it is essential to address the HIV pandemic that has been a global concern for over four decades. With approximately 30,000 people living with HIV in Jamaica, it is disheartening that only about 50 per cent of them are currently on treatment. This situation demands urgent attention and collaborative action from the Government, civil society, health-care professionals, and the entire population.

As the world grapples with the HIV pandemic, Jamaica like many other countries must harness its national resilience and economic recovery after COVID-19 to address the structural barriers, inequalities, and intersections faced by key populations, high-risk groups, and people living with HIV. Together, we can offer a message of hope and national commitment to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, overcome stigma and discrimination, and ensure access to HIV prevention, testing, treatment, care, and support services, fostering inclusivity, and improving the overall health and well-being of all Jamaicans to leave no one behind.

Jamaica has shown its resilience and determination throughout history, overcoming numerous challenges and emerging stronger as a nation. The country has overcome various challenges to forge a path towards progress and independence and is an example for many. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us the power of unity and collective action. Similarly, in the face of the HIV pandemic, this resilience must be sustained as a crucial asset. By channelling this strength, Jamaica can strive towards achieving universal health coverage and fulfilling Sustainable Development Goal 3 – ensuring the health and well-being of all Jamaicans. Furthermore, Jamaica can leverage this spirit of resilience to confront the intersecting inequalities, human rights violations, stigma, discrimination, and structural barriers that have hindered effective HIV prevention, testing, treatment, care, and support services in the country over the decades.

On this momentous occasion of independence and reflection, our political leaders, policymakers, and advocates must continue to collaborate to implement evidence-based strategies that empower those most at risk. Allocating sufficient resources to address HIV is an investment in the future of our nation. We must all reinvigorate our dedication to creating a Jamaica where no one is left behind in the fight against the HIV epidemic.

As we strive for economic recovery, post-COVID, our leaders must not forget the importance of building a healthier and more inclusive society. Investing in comprehensive sex education, widespread HIV testing, and scaling up antiretroviral treatment can significantly reduce new HIV infections and improve the quality of life for people living with HIV and build a healthy nation. A united front against HIV, much like the unity that brought independence, will be vital in achieving the ambitious goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. Advocacy groups and civil society organisations must continue to play their pivotal role in holding leaders accountable and ensuring that the needs of vulnerable key populations are met.

There is a need to create an environment that fosters inclusivity and supports the vulnerable and the most affected by the virus. Key populations and high-risk groups such as sex workers, men who have sex with men, transgender individuals, and people who use drugs, often face marginalisation and discrimination, making them more vulnerable to HIV transmission. By ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are protected, we can dismantle barriers to prevention, testing, treatment, care, and support services.

Moreover, it is essential that Jamaica, at 61, should commit to build a fair and just society by fostering a society free from discrimination and violence and building an inclusive nation which embraces and leverages our diversity as our strength to truly reflect the popular saying of ”out of many, one people”. This is the pathway to ending AIDS in Jamaica and this is what would make us truly proud and strong. Stigma prevents individuals from seeking HIV testing and accessing treatment, perpetuating the spread of the virus. As a nation, we must work together to challenge and eradicate HIV-related stigma, promoting an environment where people can access healthcare services without fear of judgement or discrimination.

In this celebratory season, let us reiterate our pledge to provide unwavering support to people living with HIV, high-risk populations, and key populations. Let us break down the barriers that hinder access to social and health services. This 61st independence celebration is an opportune moment to foster a message of hope and national commitment to the cause of ending AIDS in Jamaica. We must work together to ensure that no one is left behind in our journey towards universal health coverage.

This is a collective responsibility, and with determination and unity, we can create a future where Jamaica is truly proud, strong, and free from the threat of HIV.

Let us rise above challenges and seize the opportunity to build a healthier, more resilient nation — one that takes care of its most vulnerable and marginalised people and strives to fulfil the vision of a thriving, AIDS-free, inclusive society full of hope and determination for a brighter and healthier future for all in our beloved nation.

Dr Richard Amenyah is the director for the UNAIDS Multi-Country Office in the Caribbean.