By Samuel Hinga Norman
Freetown, 1st December 2025 – As the world marks World AIDS Day Today 1st December 2025, Sierra Leone’s health authorities and partners have spotlighted striking progress in the fight against HIV and AIDS, while warning of persistent challenges that must be overcome to achieve the global target of ending AIDS by 2030.
At a Media Breakfast convened by the Ministry of Health, the National HIV & AIDS Secretariat (NAS), World Vision, and AHF Sierra Leone on 29th November 2025 stakeholders underscored the critical role of the media in amplifying awareness and combating stigma.
Delivering an overview of the national HIV landscape, Dr. Lakoh, Director of Disease Prevention and Control, revealed that Sierra Leone’s HIV prevalence stands at 1.7%, meaning roughly 2 out of every 100 people are living with the virus.
He noted that AIDS-related deaths have fallen dramatically, from 4,000 annually to 1,084, representing a 73% reduction in mortality. Between 2022 and 2025, the country also achieved a 43% reduction in mother-to-child transmission, a milestone described as “highly encouraging.”
“These figures show that progress is possible when science, policy, and community action work together,” Dr. Lakoh said.
Despite these gains, Dr. Lakoh cautioned that barriers remain. Limited funding, weak sample transport systems, and widespread reluctance to test for HIV continue to undermine progress. He stressed that stigma and discrimination remain among the greatest obstacles.
“HIV medications are safe and effective. Treatment today is more straightforward than managing malaria, typhoid, or diabetes. What we need is for people to come forward, get tested, and embrace care without fear,” he urged.
Mrs. Jane Kalweo, UNAIDS Country Director, reminded participants that 40.8 million people globally are living with HIV, with 1.4 million in Africa alone. She emphasized that access to testing and treatment must be universal:
“Quality access to testing and treatment should never depend on who you are or where you live,” she said.
Philippe Guiton, National Director of World Vision, called for a child-centred response and stronger collaboration across government, communities, and development partners. He urged the media to use its platforms to spread messages of hope and support.
For NAS Director General Abdularahman Chernor Sesay, the path forward hinges on unity.
“Ending AIDS by 2030 is achievable, but only if we work together. The media must continue to amplify awareness so that messages reach every Sierra Leonean,” he said.
Sierra Leone has made measurable progress by cutting deaths, reducing transmission, and stabilizing prevalence, but the fight is far from over. Sesay says, With science, partnerships, and public engagement, the country is better positioned than ever to ‘keep the promise’ and close the chapter on AIDS.
