As we commemorate World AIDS Day 2025 (WAD 2025), AJAN presents this Special Edition as a reflection on faith, resilience, and collective responsibility across the Jesuit network in Africa and Madagascar. This moment invites us to pause, to look honestly at the challenges before us, and to rekindle the hope that has guided our journey for over two decades.

In his message for the WAD 2025, the JCAM President offers a striking reminder: “When the river shrinks, we dig wells.” As global HIV funding declines, many communities across the continent face growing risks—interrupted treatment, weakened prevention efforts, and deeper vulnerability for those already on the margins. Yet, his message is not one of despair, but of transformation. This is a time to strengthen our resolve, to innovate, and to renew our commitment to one another. Fr. Minaku urges us to build resilient communities, invest in youth empowerment, and promote homegrown solutions grounded in solidarity and compassion.

Click Here to Read the full JCAM Statement: Jesuit Conference of Africa and Madagascar (JCAM) Statement on World AIDS Day 2025

Fr. Ismael Matambura, SJ, AJAN director, echoes this call, emphasizing that the AIDS response continues to face disruptions, from post-COVID challenges to persistent funding cuts that threaten access to care, treatment, and prevention. But he also reminds us of God’s enduring question: “Where is your brother?” (Gen 4:9). It is a call that reaches deeply into our moral responsibility, to see, accompany, and uphold the dignity of all people living with and affected by HIV. It urges us to look beyond ourselves, to act with courage, and to remain unwavering in our mission of service.

You can Watch the Full Video Here: We can Overcome Disruptions; Message from the AJAN Director during World AIDS Day 2025

As people of faith, we are called to respond where we stand, with the resources we have, and with a spirit of unity that refuses to leave anyone behind. No one should face stigma, illness, or isolation alone. Together, through compassion and concrete action, we can protect lives, restore dignity, and advance the shared dream of an AIDS-free generation.

What’s Inside This Special Edition

Across the continent, AJAN and its centres marked World AIDS Day with moments of reflection, awareness, and communal solidarity. In this edition, we highlight:

• WAD 2025 Commemoration at the AJAN Secretariat in Nairobi, where staff and partners renewed their commitment to accompanying vulnerable people with compassion and responsibility.
• A vibrant celebration at Chéché-Bukavu, DRC, focusing on education, prevention, and community support.
• A day of learning and solidarity at Saint Ignace Centre, Kinshasa, where AJAN, CVX, and Church partners stood with people living with HIV.
• A dialogue at Centre Mgr. Munzihirwa, DRC, engaging learners and educators on stigma reduction, education, and responsibility.
• A heartfelt message from Centre Arrupe Madagascar, reaffirming its commitment to hope, compassionate service, and accompaniment.
• A major radio-based outreach: Radio Kwizera reached over 526,000 listeners with its World AIDS Day 2025 awareness message — underscoring the power of community radio to educate, empower, and challenge stigma, especially among youth and marginalized communities.

As we walk forward, may this day renew in all of us the courage to accompany, the compassion to uphold dignity, and the hope to keep working for a future where HIV no longer defines or limits any life.

By, Mr. Dennis Owuoche,

AJAN Communications Officer.