"Empowering Communities to End the HIV/AIDS Pandemic: World AIDS Day 2023"

The world has made significant progress in combating HIV/AIDS, with 5.5 million children born free of the disease since landmark studies in the late 1990s. To end the pandemic by 2030, countries must achieve the '95-95-95' targets: 95% of people living with HIV should know their status, 95% should be on antiretroviral therapy, and 95% should have an undetectable viral load. While systems-level changes have been crucial, behavioral science approaches are needed to reach populations most in need. Efforts should prioritize young people, girls and women, sex workers, and the LGBT+ community. Empowering individuals and communities, reducing stigma, and leveraging social networks are key strategies. Investing in innovative strategies that meet individual needs will not only end the HIV/AIDS pandemic but also strengthen global health systems for future challenges.