Also available in: Español
Source: Corresponsales Clave
On July 18, within the framework of the AIDS International Conference, one of the largest demonstrations in HIV history took place -we could say- . Along the main streets of Durban, thousands of people walked, sang and danced under the motto “AIDS still kills, treatment for all right now!”
By: Mirta Ruíz Díaz
Claves: #AIDS2016, Access Universal, Discrimination, Durban, Stigma, death, UNAIDS, South Africa
The demonstration convened thousands of people from different cultures and ages from all over the world demanding governments, pharmaceutical industries and funders, access to a comprehensive treatment for all, prevention, sexual and reproductive rights, medication for children, funding for treatment sustainability, gender equality, elimination of patents, among others.
Thousands of activists marched through the streets of Durban.
Thousands of activists marched through the streets of Durban.
One of the most outstanding characteristics of this demonstration was the number of activists and representatives from civil society, as well as the energy of South African activists, whom dancing and singing typical songs demanded access to treatment for 20 million people living with HIV, who still do not receive it.
I recall that in 2003, a similar demonstration took place in Cape Town, South Africa, there were many African activists and from all over the world, with similar demands. Thirteen years later, demands continue, despite the large investment of resources.
According to UNAIDS information note recently published, out of 36,7 million people living with HIV, only 17 get treatment. And although new infections have reduced in the last ten years, they still exceed two million. This data shows that there is still a long path ahead to achieve the demands of our demonstration.
Around 1.1 million people died in the last year due to AIDS related causes, cause for indignation of thousands of activists that flooded the streets of Durban to remind people that AIDS still kills.
People living with HIV and activists in general will continue demanding treatment for all, and it is not only about resources for purchasing medicines; universal access will only be possible when Trans women can access to their identity rights, when stigma and discrimination against gays and men that have sex with men are eliminated, when sexual work is regulated and not considered a crime, when indigenous peoples are part of the response and when countries stop hypocrisy regarding the drugs and seriously speak about harm reduction. The task seems to be simple: to guarantee the full exercise of rights to all populations, but apparently it is not, or we would not be marching in Durban.
You may Access to a photo gallery of the demonstration in this link.