Grand Gedeh Rallies for World AIDS Day, Urging Widespread Testing and Prevention

By: D. Abraham Cooper Sr. | Grand Gedeh County Correspondent

Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County-| Dec. 1, 2025 | The Grand Gedeh County Health Team (CHT), in conjunction with a diverse array of local and international partners, gathered today to formally commemorate World AIDS Day.

 The event served as a critical platform to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and the ongoing commitment to ending the epidemic.

The annual observation, held today, Monday, December 1st, saw a significant turnout as participants rallied to deliver a united message of vigilance and support across the county.

Global Theme Emphasized

This year’s World AIDS Day was celebrated under the compelling Global Theme: “Mobilizing Domestic Support, Transforming the AIDS Response.” This theme underscores the necessity of local resource allocation and community ownership to sustain and enhance the effectiveness of HIV programs, moving beyond reliance on external funding.

Partners Fuel the Awareness Drive

The commemoration was made possible through the robust support and collaboration of key organizations operating within the county. The event was notably organized with assistance from Global Reach II / Jhpiego, working through the Liberia Equality Network (LEN). Additional significant support was provided by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), BRAC, and several other dedicated stakeholders.

A Unified Call to Action

The gathering successfully mobilized a mass number of attendees, reflecting a broad community commitment to the cause. The audience included:

* Students from diverse educational institutions.

* Active youth groups.

* Community dwellers from various localities.

* Dedicated health practitioners.

Representatives from the collaborating partners utilized the platform to deliver an urgent and clear message to all attendees: The responsibility of preventing HIV/AIDS rests with every individual. They loudly urged the participants to become ambassadors, taking the message of prevention and testing to every corner of Grand Gedeh County.

Free Testing and Medication Guaranteed

A highlight of the awareness drive was the direct assurance of support and free medical services offered to the community.

Mr. James Fohbah, the Coordinator for Jhpiego in the county, strongly encouraged everyone to know their status, emphasizing the comprehensive care available: “I encourage all of you to go and do your test. If you are positive, we will provide free medication and support. And if you are negative, we will provide you with the necessary materials for prevention, including information and counseling.”

The combined efforts of the CHT and its partners on World AIDS Day signify a renewed push in Grand Gedeh County to not only curb new infections but also to destigmatize the virus, ensuring that all residents have access to the testing, treatment, and preventive resources necessary to realize the goal of a generation free of AIDS.