The Executive Director of UNAIDS, Michel Sidibé, emphasized the importance of cities in ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 during a speech to the Council of Paris on 4 July, highlighting that cities can use their HIV responses as a transformative force for society.
In his address, Mr Sidibé also spoke of the challenges faced in western and central Africa, where three out of four people living with HIV do not have access to HIV treatment. The African Union has endorsed an emergency catch-up for western and central Africa that sets a target of an additional 1.2 million people on treatment over the next 18 months. The emergency plan places a focus on cities and challenges mayors to take the lead. Mr Sidibé noted that support from Paris can assist western and central African countries to bridge the gaps and reach their goals.
Mr Sidibé finished his address with a call for unity across city borders and country boundaries. “Let us tackle inequalities together. We must not lose focus. Rather, let us continue to fully fund the response in Paris, but also support partners in Africa to tackle inequalities and fragilities.”
Following his address, the Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, invited Mr Sidibé to join the Let’s Make Paris the City of Love without AIDS! (#FaisonslAmour) campaign. #FaisonslAmour channels the spirit of Paris, uniting Parisians around the target of ending AIDS while raising awareness around the HIV treatment and prevention options available. #FaisonslAmour aims to inform people about the need to know their HIV status and seek treatment early, and to raise awareness about the availability of pre-exposure prophylaxis.
Six Parisians are profiled in the campaign, who reflect the reality of the epidemic within an inclusive city, proud of its diversity. One of the profiles highlights the efficacy of treatment as prevention. The campaign is the first in France to state that a person living with HIV adhering to an effective antiretroviral regime will not pass on the virus. Speaking about the radical campaign, Ms Hidalgo said, “Together, we must mobilize and be vigilant, but, above all, we must act to prevent new infections by delivering just and appropriate messages.”
The #FaisonslAmour campaign is a significant step towards ending AIDS in Paris and demonstrates that Paris is providing leadership in the response to HIV. The campaign is co-chaired by the City of Paris and the Vers Paris sans SIDA association, with the support of the MAC AIDS Fund, and produced by Agence Australie. The posters will be displayed across Paris from 28 June to 25 July.
