Each year on World AIDS Day (December 1) we take time to reflect upon our worldwide response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic by remembering the millions we’ve lost over the past four decades, celebrating our achievements over the past year, and pledging to work in even more inclusive and innovative ways over the coming year. HIV remains a major public health issue that affects millions of people worldwide. Although the world has made significant progress in recent decades, important global targets for 2020 were not met.

Division, disparity and disregard for human rights are among the failures that allowed HIV to become and remain a global health crisis. Now, COVID-19 is exacerbating inequities and disruptions to services, making the lives of many people living with HIV more challenging. The theme of World AIDS Day 2021 is “End inequalities. End AIDS”.  With a special focus on reaching people left behind, WHO and its partners are highlighting the growing inequalities in access to essential HIV services. On this day, government officials and individuals around the world educate people on AIDS prevention and control.

As of previous years, Bangladesh Women’s Health Coalition (BWHC) along with it’s joint venture partners PIACT Bangladesh and Nari Moitri observed the World AIDS Day together 1st December 2021 in Dhaka with 10 brothels under the project named: “STI and HIV Prevention Service Package for the Brothel Based Sex Workers and their Client Service Package-1 (SP – 1)”. It is an opportunity to celebrate and support global efforts to prevent new HIV infections, increase HIV awareness and knowledge, and support those living with HIV. On the occasion, Mr. Sharif Mostafa Helal, Executive Director, BWHC along with other staff members of joint venture, senior govt. officials participated in the celebration in front of ICDDR,B Dhaka in the human chain and discussion meeting.