As we mark International Self-Care Day on 24 July, it is a timely moment to highlight how WHO is championing self-care approaches for HIV and other diseases. This topic will be in the spotlight at the upcoming 26th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2026) in Rio de Janeiro from 26–31 July. Self-care is the ability of individuals, families and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health and to cope with illness with or without the support of a health or care worker. To support countries in their efforts to deliver safe and accessible people-centred services that are needed to reach communities most at risk of HIV and other diseases.

By shining a light on the importance of self-care for HIV and associated communicable and non-communicable diseases – including the recent advances that expand self-care options for programmes and the people they serve – WHO aims to advance equity, access to universal health care, and support people everywhere to have greater control and ability to holistically manage their own health.