On December 1, the entire world traditionally unites to support people living with HIV and to remember those whose lives have been taken by the AIDS epidemic. In 2024, this day is held under the theme “Take the rights path”, which emphasizes the inextricable link between the protection of human rights and an effective response to the HIV epidemic.

“December 1 reminds us that equality and human rights are the key to overcoming HIV/AIDS and discrimination. Only by recognizing the dignity of each individual can we create a healthy and equal society for all,” notes Vitaly Apanasenko, member of ECOM’s Steering Committee.

“By choosing the path of human rights, we are not only defending individual rights; we are building a society where justice, equality and respect become the norm. This path is the only way to create a world in which our communities will live freely and with dignity,” emphasizes Vitaly Vinogradov, Chairman of ECOM’s Steering Committee.

For the countries of Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA), the HIV epidemic remains one of the most serious threats to public health. According to WHO and UNAIDS, the region faces high rates of new infections, especially among key populations: men who have sex with men (MSM) and trans people. In this context, human rights organizations play a particularly important role.
ECOM presents updated data on the HIV situation among key populations in the Eastern Europe and Central Asia region. The results highlight the need to strengthen prevention efforts and expand access to testing and treatment.
Up-to-date information on HIV prevalence is available on ECOM’s website in the following sections:
Regular updates of this data allow us to monitor the dynamics of the epidemic and the effectiveness of implemented measures, as well as to identify priority areas for further work.

“Protection of human rights is not just a declaration, but a key tool in the fight against HIV. Every step towards respecting the rights of key communities is a step towards effective counteraction to the epidemic,” says Vitaly Djuma, Executive Director of ECOM.

The theme for World AIDS Day 2024 highlights that respect for human rights is the cornerstone of the fight against HIV/AIDS. This includes:
  • The right to access quality health care
  • Protection from discrimination and stigmatization
  • The right to confidentiality
  • Access to reliable information on prevention and treatment
  • The right to a dignified life regardless of HIV status
In the context of modern challenges, it is especially important to remember that an effective response to the HIV epidemic is only possible if human rights are respected and access to services is ensured for all population groups. ECOM continues its work to protect the rights and interests of vulnerable communities, contributing to the creation of a more just and inclusive society in the EECA region.