Samuel Yuri Uchida 
Let communities lead.
The red ribbon has become the international representation of HIV awareness and support. Wearing a ribbon is an excellent way to promote awareness on and around World AIDS Day.
This year, we’re honoring the amazing contributions made by community-led organizations in the HIV/AIDS fight. They are the foundation of change, linking people to critical health services, establishing trust, and pushing for innovation while holding systems responsible. However, these organizations face barriers to successful leadership, including financing limitations, regulatory problems, and repression on civil freedoms.
Let us rally for change on World AIDS Day! Community leadership must be integrated into all aspects of HIV policies and programs, ensuring that their voices shape composition, implementation, and evaluation. We can unlock the full power of community leadership and move the globe toward AIDS abolition by working together. Let us join UNAIDS in advocating for this cause by saying, “Nothing about us without us.”
