As we mark World AIDS Day, the global community reflects on the progress made and the challenges ahead in combating HIV/AIDS. Jirair Ratevosian, a senior global health leader with over 20 years of experience, has dedicated his career to health equity, human rights, and global health solutions. From his pivotal work in U.S. foreign policy to his advocacy for marginalized communities, Jirair’s work spans governments, non-profits, the private sector, and diplomacy. 

Jirair’s career has spanned multiple roles, including Senior Advisor for Health Equity Policy at the U.S. Department of State, where he worked to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) within the U.S. Global AIDS Program (PEPFAR). He has recently joined the Rotary Action Group for Family Health and AIDS Prevention (RFHA) Board of Advisers, furthering his commitment to community-driven health solutions.

In this conversation with RFHA, Jirair shared his insights on the fight against HIV, the importance of human stories, and why community-driven efforts like Rotary Family Health Days (RFHDs) are vital in addressing the global health crisis.

A Turning Point in South Africa

Jirair’s passion for HIV/AIDS advocacy began in 2003 during a visit to South Africa, where he witnessed the devastating impact of the epidemic. “Funerals were a daily occurrence. Families were torn apart,” he recalls. “It was then that I knew I had to dedicate my work to fighting this crisis.” The experience solidified his lifelong commitment to the cause and shaped his approach to addressing health disparities and inequities.”

“That experience exposed me to the injustice of HIV and it was at that moment I realized I couldn’t turn my back on it. I knew I had to be part of finding solutions, increasing funding, and raising awareness. South Africa had a lasting impact on me, and it became my purpose to fight HIV,” he adds. This experience not only inspired his career but also cemented his belief that HIV/AIDS is not just a health crisis but a profound human one.

Jirair highlights the strength of the global HIV advocacy community. “What makes the HIV response unique is its ability to unite diverse voices, from activists to world leaders,” he says. 

He also emphasizes the importance of grassroots involvement. “Local engagement, from health professionals to affected communities, is key to achieving lasting change,” Jirair says. The success of community-driven initiatives, like Rotary Family Health Days (RFHD), exemplifies how locally tailored health solutions can make a significant impact on global health challenges.

“The significance of RFHA’s work cannot be overstated. It brings a local solution to a global problem. Through Rotary’s connections, they are able to reach rural areas and underserved communities, which is crucial. RFHDs are often the only time these communities have access to healthcare, and they serve as a gateway for people to get tested for HIV, check their blood sugar, and receive other essential health services. It’s an entry point for communities to learn about their health status and get the care they need.”

He praises RFHD’s decentralized model, which empowers Rotary clubs to engage their communities and provide vital health services. “It’s a shining example of how partnerships at the local level can drive global impact.”

Centring Human Stories in Policy

When asked how the human experience can remain at the core of policy and strategy, Jirair said, “Tell their stories.”

A key aspect of Jirair’s work has been elevating the stories of those living with HIV. "The key is telling their stories. One of the greatest strengths of the HIV movement has been keeping people at the heart of the conversation. Incorporating the lived experiences of people with HIV into advocacy has been crucial. Bringing those voices to policymakers, donors, and lawmakers ensures that the human face of HIV remains visible. Without that, it’s easy to get lost in the numbers and distracted by other global issues," highlights Jirair.

"Whether it’s a pregnant woman, an orphaned child, or a sex worker, focusing on those human stories helps maintain the urgency and relevance of HIV in policy and decision-making,"  he notes.

These personal stories are critical in shaping policy decisions. 

Breaking Stigma, Building Solutions

While strides have been made in education and treatment, stigma remains a formidable barrier. “Stigma persists in healthcare settings, families, and even among policymakers,” Jirair notes. “It’s holding us back.”

He advocates for innovative approaches to tackle stigma, including leveraging social media and influencers to reach broader audiences. “We must reignite public advocacy campaigns that highlight the realities of living with HIV. People can now lead normal, healthy lives with access to treatment, but we must ensure that stigma doesn’t deny them this right.”

Looking Ahead: The Next Decade of HIV/AIDS

As Jirair reflects on the future of the HIV/AIDS response, he remains cautiously optimistic. “We are entering an exciting phase with innovations like long-acting treatment and prevention options that could drastically reduce the burden of daily medication,” he says. However, he stresses that these innovations must be scaled globally to achieve meaningful impact. “No single organization or country can end HIV on its own. It requires a global coalition,” he explains.

“Telemedicine and the wider availability of PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) are also major steps forward. PrEP is now highly effective at preventing HIV, and it’s empowering vulnerable groups, like young women and sex workers, to protect themselves. Organisations like RFHA will be instrumental in this fight by continuing to connect communities with healthcare, raising awareness, and driving local engagement. Their model is one of the keys to maintaining momentum in the fight against HIV.”

World AIDS Day 2025 Theme Unveiled

The Minister of Health, South Africa Dr. P.A. Motsoaledi, unveiled the World AIDS Day theme for 2025, ‘Equal Rights, Equal Care’ on 15 November 2024. This announcement, made during the Rotary Family Health Days in Rustenberg, South Africa, underscores the critical importance of equity in the fight against HIV/AIDS. “Our partnership with RFHA reinforces the value of public-private partnerships in extending healthcare access and highlights South Africa’s commitment to delivering inclusive, community-based health services that leave no one behind” said the Minister in his speech," he said. 

"It is through such Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) that we are able to extend the reach of healthcare beyond health facilities and deliver services closer to where people are in communities. Furthermore, these collaborative efforts enable the Government to coordinate resources, avoid wastage and duplication, foster innovations, and ensure that resources are directed to where they are required the most. We are grateful to RFHA for their efforts to mobilise partners to provide services that are not often available in primary health care facilities and outreach services," added Dr. Motsoaledi.

Rotary Family Health Days are delivered through a powerful public private partnership which includes the National Government (the National Department of Health), the US Government through the Centres for Diseases Control and Prevention, USAID, media houses, Rotary Clubs and districts, the private sector, NGOs and civil society.
 

To learn more about Rotary Family Health Days and how you can support this vital work, visit www.rfha.org.