HIV Response Meets Disability Inclusion: Advancing an Equitable Future

On 2 December 2025, UNAIDS Ethiopia, in partnership with the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) and other UN agencies, commemorated World AIDS Day under the theme “Overcoming Disruptions, Transforming the AIDS Response” and the International Day of Persons with Disabilities with the theme “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress.”

The event celebrated progress in the HIV response while emphasizing the rights, inclusion, and empowerment of persons with disabilities. It provided a platform for reflection, dialogue, and collaboration to address challenges at the intersection of HIV and disability.

A panel discussion brought together UN partners, the Ministry of Health, and representatives from communities of people living with HIV (PLHIV) and persons with disabilities (PWDs). Panelists highlighted the critical need for robust data, inclusive planning, and meaningful community engagement to ensure that programs and policies truly reach those most affected.

‘Communities are not merely beneficiaries’ 

“From a community perspective, the event was timely and highly relevant, especially given the shrinking HIV funding landscape. It created an important space to acknowledge the reality on the ground, where funding reductions are already causing service disruptions, increasing vulnerability, and creating uncertainty for people living with and affected by HIV,” says Kassahun Tadesse, Chief Executive Director, Network of Networks of HIV Positive in Ethiopia (NEP+) .

The discussion underscored that communities are not merely beneficiaries but essential implementers. Inclusivity was another key takeaway, emphasizing the need to ensure meaningful engagement of PLHIV, key populations, women, and young people - including HIV-positive persons with disabilities—in funding decisions, priority setting, and transition planning.

“Community voices must be involved early and continuously, rather than only consulted after decisions are made,” says Kassahun.

‘Inclusion is a fundamental human right’

Musie Tilahun, Executive Director, Ethiopian Lawyers with Disabilities Association (ELDA), says, “inclusion is a fundamental human right, not charity. Persons with disabilities are innovators, leaders, and catalysts for change. Yet millions continue to face barriers in education, employment, health, technology, and justice, preventing them from reaching their full potential.”

“Governments, the private sector, civil society, and United Nations agencies must act decisively and collectively to remove these barriers. Building inclusive societies is not only a moral obligation but a global necessity to advance equitable progress, shared prosperity, and the full realization of human potential for all.”