By Moses Magadza

The Secretary-General of the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) Ms Boemo Sekgoma, has underscored the need for a rights-based approach in the global response to HIV and AIDS.

In a statement released as the world commemorated World AIDS Day on December 1, 2024, under the theme, “Take the rights path: my health, my right!”, Ms Sekgoma expressed the SADC PF’s commitment to advocating for the rights of individuals living with HIV.

She noted that over 50% of people living with HIV worldwide reside in Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA), with many SADC countries reporting over a million individuals living with the virus.

Her statement particularly addressed the inequalities faced by key populations, including sex workers, prisoners, and members of the LGBTIQ community, who often lack access to affordable HIV treatment.

She said health is a fundamental human right.

 “HIV treatment, including access to antiretroviral therapy (ARVs), must be available and affordable for all,” she asserted, stressing that HIV treatment should be recognised as a justiciable right.

She urged parliamentarians and policymakers to prioritise health equity and non-discrimination in health services, warning that failure to act could result in millions of preventable deaths.

Additionally, Ms Sekgoma reiterated the SADC PF’s commitment to aligning regional HIV policies with international law and treaties. The domestication of the SADC Model Law on HIV is seen as a crucial step towards strengthening a rights-based framework for the region’s response to the epidemic.

The Secretary-General called for immediate action and strong leadership to combat HIV and AIDS as a human rights and public health issue.

“While there is still hope for change to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), swift action is imperative,” she stated, urging parliamentarians and stakeholders to dismantle barriers to care.