Dear Editor,

World AIDS Day, observed each year on December 1, remains a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to uphold dignity, equality, and hope for people living with HIV (PLHIV).

Since 1988 it has encouraged nations to confront stigma, strengthen public health efforts, and commit to leaving no one behind. This year’s theme ‘Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response’ carries special meaning for Jamaica as communities in the western parishes continue recovering from the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.

In moments of crisis, disruptions to health care, medication access, transportation, and essential services can have serious consequences for PLHIV. Yet even in these challenging circumstances, The Jamaican Network of Seropositives (JN+) has remained steadfast in its mission to support, advocate, and uplift those most affected. Since 1996 JN+ has been a national leader in championing PLHIV rights and ensuring that their voices and experiences shape the HIV response.

Following Hurricane Melissa, JN+ quickly mobilised relief supplies across western Jamaica, providing food packages, medication support, psychosocial assistance, referrals, and linkages to shelter by meeting individuals where they are and offering compassionate, practical help, awakening our mandate to aid PLHIV and quell uncertainty and fear. Our presence provided comfort, stability, and a clear message: No one would be abandoned.

This commitment was further demonstrated at our recent JN+ Health & Wellness Village in Sam Sharpe Square, Montego Bay. Over 300 residents from every walk of life, market vendors, taxi operators, families, commuters, and PLHIV were offered free health checks, HIV testing and prevention tools, testing options, condoms, hurricane relief packages, and on-the-spot support. The event embodied what a people-centred HIV response should look like: real conversations, real connections, and services delivered with respect, dignity, and love.

Although progress has been made nationally, many PLHIV continue to face daily barriers heightened by social and economic instability. Overcoming disruption also requires us to challenge stigma, discrimination, and the silence that allows inequality to persist.

Let us honour those lost, celebrate the resilience of those still fighting, and recommit to creating a Jamaica in which every person, regardless of HIV status, has the opportunity to thrive.

Omar Morgan

Policy and advocacy officer

The Jamaican Network of Seropositives

policyofficer@jasero.onmicrosoft.com