World AIDS Day Statement, 2024

As we commemorate World AIDS Day 2024, under the theme “Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right!”, we are reminded of the urgent need to prioritize health as a fundamental human right. This day not only calls us to reflect on the progress made in the fight against HIV but also to renew our commitment to dismantling the systemic barriers that perpetuate inequality and hinder access to care.

HIV continues to disproportionately affect marginalized groups, including young queer women across Africa, who face intersecting challenges of stigma, discrimination, and limited access to healthcare. For these communities, the fight against HIV is not just about treatment and prevention; it is about claiming their right to health, dignity, and equity.

At QuestPro-Women Foundation (QWF), we stand in solidarity with the global community in advocating for an Africa free from discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation. Our work is inspired by the belief that meaningful involvement of young queer women in HIV responses is essential to achieving this goal. This requires inclusive policies, responsive healthcare systems, and the active engagement of diverse voices in decision-making processes.

We also take this opportunity to celebrate the transformative power of cross-movement collaborations across Africa. The solidarity built with the sex worker movement, women’s rights organizations, and broader human rights advocates strengthens our collective resolve. Together, we are challenging oppressive systems and creating pathways to equitable health and rights for all.

This World AIDS Day, let us not only recommit to ending the epidemic but also to addressing the structural injustices that fuel it. Let us take the rights path—one that centers health as a right for all, champions inclusion, and ensures no one is left behind.
We call on governments, civil society, and allies across sectors to work with urgency and intentionality. Together, we can foster an Africa where human rights are upheld, HIV is eradicated, and the diversity of all people is celebrated.
Health is a right, not a privilege. Let us act now to make this a reality for all.