Central Equatoria deputy governor urges end to stigmatization of persons with HIV/AIDS

JUBA – The Deputy Governor of South Sudan’s Central Equatoria State, Paulino Lukudo, has called for an end to the stigmatization and discrimination of individuals living with or associated with HIV and AIDS.

Lukudo made the call on Tuesday during the commemoration of World AIDS Day, observed under the theme “Take the Rights Path” in Juba.

“We must raise awareness, support those living with HIV, and honor those who have passed from AIDS-related illnesses,” Lukudo said.

He urged families and communities to cease discriminating against individuals living with HIV and AIDS, noting that stigma and discrimination denied them access to vital health information and services.

Lukudo acknowledged the challenges in accessing healthcare facilities but emphasized the state’s zero-tolerance policy toward discrimination.

In his remarks, Hussein Abdulbagi, Vice President and Chair of the Service Cluster, recognized the persistent socio-economic and public health challenges posed by efforts to eradicate HIV infections, but also highlighted significant progress in the country’s HIV response.

“In 2024, we increased the number of facilities providing antiretroviral therapy (ARVs) to 189, with 72,538 people living with HIV now accessing treatment—a substantial rise, though still short of the estimated 140,000 people living with HIV,” Abdulbagi said.

He also noted a decline in new HIV infections, from 11,000 in 2022 to 8,100 in 2023.

Abdulbagi commended South Sudan’s improved performance in meeting global HIV/AIDS targets, including the immediate initiation of treatment for individuals testing positive, regardless of their CD4 count.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to increasing health sector funding to meet the 15% allocation pledged in the Abuja Declaration and creating a supportive legislative environment for health rights, as guaranteed in the transitional constitution.