On the occasion of World AIDS Day, the Diakonessenhuis has received a special mosaic artwork, made by people who live with HIV themselves. The artwork, realized under the guidance of artist Ruth-Rachel Joeroeja, was presented to Marja van Eer, internist and HIV specialist. It symbolizes solidarity, awareness and breaking stigma.
The mosaic was created within the HIV Awareness Program of Lianne Cremers (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam), in collaboration with Anton de Kom University, the Academic Hospital Paramaribo, various researchers and artist Joeroeja.
In Paramaribo, the Raining Colors Foundation organized a creative day where participants – all affected by HIV – first received a motivation session from Erika Van Der Mark, followed by a painting workshop. Their individual paintings have been brought together into one joint work of art.
Theme World AIDS Day 2025: ‘Overcoming adversity, transforming HIV approach’
During the presentation, Van Eer spoke about the challenges on the way to a world without HIV-related problems.
“There are many setbacks on the path that should lead us to a world without HIV-related problems. The WHO states that the sustainable development goals must be achieved by 2030, which means that HIV/AIDS should no longer pose a public health threat.”
She warned that the decline in international support for HIV prevention and treatment makes it more difficult to detect new infections in a timely manner, while taboo and discrimination remain major obstacles.
Current situation in Suriname
According to recent estimates, approximately 7,900 people in Suriname are living with HIV, of whom only half know they are infected.
– Approximately 460 new cases are diagnosed every year.
– 1.6% of the population has HIV.
– Among women tested: 0.9%.
– Among tested men: 2.4% – with many men reporting late, with greater risks of complications.
– Among pregnant women: 1.1%.
Certain groups remain particularly vulnerable due to taboo and discrimination:
– men who have sex with each other: 31%,
– transgender people: 26%,
– female sex workers: 2.1%,
– male sex workers: 52%.
Teenagers, adolescents and young pregnant women are also increasingly reporting STDs, including HIV, which poses risks for mother and child.
Access, testing and treatment are crucial
Van Eer emphasized that people at risk from unprotected sexual contact must have access to information, counseling and testing. Thanks to modern HIV inhibitors, people with HIV can lead a healthy life. She called for no one to be left behind in tackling HIV.
“Those affected by HIV should not be left behind. Leave no one behind is a responsibility of all of us.”
The Diakonessenhuis has been working since 1995 on shelter and guidance for people with HIV and their loved ones. The institution feels honored to be able to give the work of art a prominent place.
