PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- The theme for World AIDS Day, which will be observed globally on Monday, December 1, 2025, is “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response,” the Collective Prevention Service (CPS) said on Sunday.
World AIDS Day, observed annually on December 1st, serves as a crucial global initiative to unite people in the fight against HIV, show support for those living with the virus, and commemorate those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses.
The day is a pivotal moment for governments, health organizations, and communities to renew their commitment to reach the UNAIDS target of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
A primary objective of World AIDS Day 2025 will be to accelerate efforts toward achieving the ambitious 95-95-95 targets: of people living with HIV know their status, of all people with diagnosed HIV infection receive sustained antiretroviral therapy (ART), and of all people receiving ART achieve viral suppression.
CPS encourages the community to educate and inform themselves about the latest developments related to AIDS and HIV, and therefore, the topic is part of its annual calendar of health observances.
Achieving viral suppression is critical, as it means the virus is undetectable, rendering it impossible to transmit sexually or undetectable equals un-transmittable).
This scientific fact has fundamentally changed the social and medical landscape of HIV, allowing people with HIV to live long, healthy lives and preventing new infections.
Awareness campaigns on this day will heavily emphasize the importance of getting tested, starting treatment immediately, and understanding that modern ART is the most effective prevention tool available.
Finally, the commemoration serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing need to combat stigma and discrimination. Despite monumental medical progress, social stigma remains a major obstacle, preventing many individuals from seeking testing or adhering to treatment for fear of judgment, exclusion, or violence.
World AIDS Day is therefore a call to action for society to foster greater understanding and acceptance. By promoting open dialogue, celebrating the resilience of those living with HIV, and campaigning for inclusive policies, we can remove the final non-medical barriers to ending the epidemic, ensuring that the necessary healthcare and social support reach every individual, everywhere.
In 2024, an estimated 40.8 million people were living with HIV globally. Approximately 630,000 people died from HIV related causes in 2024, and an estimated 1.3 million people acquired HIV in 2024.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of VROMI is pleased to announce the installation of the long-awaited weighbridge. A weighbridge is a large scale and will be used to calculate the volume of waste going into the landfill. The weighbridge being installed can accommodate up to 80 tons and will assist in collecting data and the introduction of fees to support financing the waste sector in the future. This initiative is an activity to support the improvement of waste management through the Emergency Debris Management Program (EDMP), funded via the Trust Fund. At its core, EDMP will finance the rehabilitation of the current landfill and support modernizing waste management in Sint Maarten.
Simpson Bay:--- Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM airport) officially ushered in the holiday season with the lighting of its Christmas tree, a tradition that symbolizes warmth and hospitality for travelers during the busiest time of the year. The ceremony was led by CFO Michael Lake, and COO Emile Levons, marking the start of a month filled with holiday cheer.
