World AIDS Day: resolve to struggle HIV through preventive care

Today is world AIDS day. It is 27 years today since the world community recognised World AIDS Day. Since 1988, December 1, World AIDS Day has provided an opportunity for people all over the world to unite in the struggle against HIV, those people suffering from HIV and who have died from AIDS. This day serves as a reminder for the public and policymakers that HIV has not gone away — there is a need to sustain awareness and education, improve prevention and care efforts. In 1993, this resolve led Solomon to establish the YR Gaitonde Centre for AIDS Research and Education, which has been instrumental in shaping India’s Today, YRG CARE’s successful model of prevention programmes, laboratory services and support programmes have drawn international acclaim and measurably advanced efforts against HIV/AIDS. This systematic approach has been very fruitful. It has increased harmonisation between various stakeholders in support of result-oriented national priorities and led to the development of new strategies that are mitigating the health system constraints and advancing public health goals across a variety of diseases. I’m certain that when Solomon identified the first HIV case, she could not have imagined how that discovery would inspire a nation and benefit society in so many ways. Today, as we remember all those who have lost their lives to HIV and take stock of the progress we’ve made, Solomon’s legacy reminds us that even with the most intractable public health challenges, focus, commitment, partnerships and a clear vision are critical ingredients to making positive lasting change. We have to keep up the commitment to ensuring that her legacy continues to benefit the world far into the future.