World AIDS Day, observed every year on December 1, is dedicated to awareness-raising, mobilization, and solidarity, while also serving as a reminder that prevention efforts, as well as the fight against stigma, must be strengthened. In Madagascar, December 1, 2025, was marked by an official ceremony organized by the PNLS (Programme National de Lutte contre le SIDA) in Ambohibemasoandro, Antananarivo, in the presence of public authorities, partners, civil society organizations, and healthcare centers.

An Official Ceremony, a Sign of Commitment
The ceremony provided an opportunity to recall the efforts already made in the fight against HIV and AIDS, as well as the challenges that remain in terms of prevention, comprehensive care, testing, and psychosocial support. The official speeches highlighted the need to strengthen collaboration between the State, civil society organizations, and donors in order to provide an effective and sustainable response to the issue of human dignity.
The presence of government authorities, including the Minister of Public Health and representatives of elected Members of Parliament, demonstrated the commitment of public authorities to maintaining the fight against HIV and AIDS among national public health priorities. The presence of the WHO representative in Madagascar at the ceremony suggests unwavering support from this institution.

CA MDG Present, a Stand to Make Itself Known
Centre Arrupe Madagascar (CA MDG) took part in the commemoration through a stand dedicated to faith-based organizations, jointly facilitated by two Christian denominations: the Reformed Church and the Catholic Church, represented by Centre Arrupe.
Throughout the day, many people visited the stand. Exchanges with visitors made it possible to assess how relevant HIV and AIDS-related issues remain. Discussions often focused on prevention, fear of testing, persistent stigma, and the need for human and community-based accompaniment. The stand became a genuine place of encounter and listening.
Representatives of CA MDG shared field experiences with young people, notably through the AJAN HIV and AIDS Prevention Programme for the Youth (AHAPPY) program, and with families through EVA (Education à la Vie et à l’Amour), among others. These testimonies highlighted the importance of a values-based approach founded on respect for the dignity of every person, trust, and education.

Exchanges Conducive to Collaboration
The visit of the Minister to the stand was a particularly significant moment. The simple and direct exchange allowed CA MDG representatives to briefly present their actions and the realities observed on the ground. By visiting the stand, she was thus able to learn about the role played by faith-based organizations.
All those present at the stand expressed the desire not to act in isolation. Informal exchanges among faith-based actors highlighted the same need: to join forces, pool experiences, and build joint actions that are more visible and more impactful.
Given that a previous initiative led by the CNLS (Comité National de lutte contre le SIDA), aimed at establishing a coalition of civil society organizations, had failed following the dissolution of that structure, this year’s World AIDS Day rekindled the idea that, even with modest means, it is possible to start again from where one is, with what one has—and that it is never too late to resume dialogue.

A Day That Restores Meaning to Collective Commitment
Beyond its official character, the commemoration of December 1, 2025, in Ambohibemasoandro was an opportunity to share experiences and field realities. It reminded participants that the fight against HIV and AIDS is built day by day, through simple gestures, a constant presence, and sincere commitment alongside those concerned.
For Centre Arrupe Madagascar, this day reinforced the conviction that faith-based organizations have an essential role to play in fostering more humane and sustainable responses to HIV and AIDS.

By, Randrianarijaona Norovoahangy,
Health and Family Program Officer, Centre Arrupe, Madagascar (CA-MDG)