Despite the lack of funding for this year’s World AIDS Day commemoration, the Centre Saint Ignace in Kinshasa, in collaboration with AJAN and the Christian Life Community (CVX), ensured that the day did not go unnoticed. Thanks to the generosity of Father Augustin, Parish Priest of Saint Augustine in Lemba, a hall was made available for the celebration, which took place on November 29, 2025, beginning at 10:30 a.m.

The celebration featured three speakers and about twenty participants, including those affected, both men and women affected, beneficiaries of the CVX Kinshasa mission, and the Centre Saint Ignace, Kinshasa in collaboration with AJAN.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Rémy Ngamba emphasized that their work “stems from the recommendations of Christ Jesus Himself, who desired His Church to remain very close to the most vulnerable.” He noted that the Church, entrusted with the mission of helping to establish the Kingdom of God, has a responsibility to reach out to those rejected by society, restoring their hope and nurturing the expectation of a better life. Mr. Ngamba further recalled that during the AJAN General Assembly 2025 held in Nairobi,Kenya, AJAN reaffirmed its guiding principle: that AJAN Centres must continue supporting people living with HIV and AIDS, even if only one HIV-positive person remains in their care.

Taking the floor, Dr. Anne-Marie Katalayi provided participants with a historical and clinical overview of HIV and AIDS, an epidemiological analysis, and an update on the current global situation of the pandemic. She emphasized that “contrary to the conclusions of some policymakers, HIV and AIDS infections continue to rise worldwide, particularly in developing countries—a trend worsened by the withdrawal of USAID support.”

She explained that an estimated 40.8 million people are expected to be living with HIV and AIDS globally in 2025. She noted a decline of 1.3 million new infections—representing a 40% reduction compared to 2010. Dr. Katalayi also presented sobering statistics on AIDS-related deaths in 2024, access to antiretroviral treatment, and levels of awareness of HIV status. She concluded by highlighting a positive development: 73% of people living with HIV have achieved viral suppression.

Addressing HIV and AIDS and its economic impact, Dr. Anne-Marie Katalayi emphasized that this pandemic is a cause of impoverishment for many households. In affected families, parents who struggle financially are unable to work and care for their children. Due to stigma in some societies, many people living with HIV and AIDS lose their jobs and become unemployed. She added that the situation of people living with HIV remains a serious concern, and organizations like AJAN and CVX must continue to provide financial support to people living with HIV and AIDS and advocate on their behalf.

The presentation on HIV and AIDS, treatment, and the impact of antiretroviral drugs, given by Ms. Annie Tshiela, a nurse at a local medical facility, provided participants with an opportunity to understand the importance of taking medication regularly, especially newer drugs, and the need for protected sex and honesty with potential sexual partners to prevent infection. The speaker also addressed the importance of adhering to the prescribed regimen while taking medication. She cautioned participants against behaviors that contribute to the spread of the disease, such as drunkenness, unprotected sex, vagrancy, and begging.

(Photo on the Left) Ms. Annie Tshiela in conversation with the participants and (Photo on the Right) Dr. Anne-Marie together with the participants.

In conclusion, participants raised key concerns related to daily challenges, which the specialists addressed and clarified to their great satisfaction. They also emphasized the need for greater inclusion—particularly of men—in AJAN programs, as well as the importance of stronger engagement with the AJAN Center staff. Furthermore, they called for wider participation in the AIDS response, access to income-generating initiatives, and enhanced solidarity through regular meetings among beneficiaries, CVX members, and Center leadership. The gathering ended with a moment of fellowship, as participants shared bread and juice.

By, Mr. Rémy Ngamba Etsayem 

Director, Centre Saint Ignace in Kinshasa, DRC.