Moses Owade-Were writes: Recent years have seen significant reductions in AIDS-related deaths as well as new HIV infections at global level, coupled with extensive rollout of ARVs. The gains are impressive: an estimated 18.2 million people were accessing antiretroviral therapy in 2016, up from 7.5 million in 2010. However, while AIDS is no longer perceived as a global public health emergency, the pandemic remains a deadly threat to millions of people across sub-Saharan Africa. There is an urgent need to maintain the momentum of ongoing initiatives to contain the pandemic. What’s more, there is the need to prioritize the regions of West and Central Africa that were underfunded because most resources were pumped into the “hot-spots” of Southern and Eastern Africa.

Bob-Maurice Oduor writes: My hope for 2017 is that the good works that the Jesuits have been doing for centuries in Africa and elsewhere continue, especially their efforts to render service to those who are underprivileged. This will be a great time for the AJAN family as we celebrate “life to the full” for 15 years of our existence. The major challenge I foresee is likely reduced support for AIDS-related activities, as complacency and donor fatigue seem to be on the rise. The seemingly reduced interest of stakeholders in HIV matters could render millions of projects redundant and send thousands to their deathbed. So my question is: Will we really be able to reach the goal of an AIDS-Free generation as envisioned?