ACCHO launches “Take Care of We (Get Tested),” a powerful HIV awareness anthem for Ontario’s African, Caribbean and Black communities. Performed by Dario Dvon, the campaign inspires unity, care, and action.
The African Caribbean Council on HIV/AIDS in Ontario (ACCHO) has launched an inspiring new campaign to strengthen HIV awareness and encourage African, Caribbean and Black (ACB) communities to get tested. At the heart of this initiative is “Take Care of We (Get Tested)”, a stirring anthem performed by Barbados-born, Toronto-based RnB/Soul artist Dario Dvon. With its blend of uplifting melodies and urgent messaging, the track reminds listeners that knowing your HIV status and supporting one another is a shared responsibility rooted in love, resilience, and community care.
Available now on iTunes, Spotify, and other major streaming platforms, the song amplifies the campaign’s central message: health is collective, and so is the fight against HIV.
Music meets movement
Commissioned by ACCHO, “Take Care of We” delivers more than a rhythm—it’s a rallying call. Dario Dvon’s soulful vocals carry lyrics designed to unite communities across Ontario in the pursuit of health equity. The project is deeply connected to ACCHO’s mission to address the disproportionate impact of HIV on ACB populations, while embedding the conversation in culture and creativity.
The anthem stands as a testament to the power of art in mobilizing change, weaving together themes of visibility, solidarity, and hope. By pairing an irresistible beat with a vital public health message, ACCHO is reframing HIV awareness as an act of love and mutual protection.
Why this matters
HIV remains a significant public health concern in Ontario. Each year, hundreds of people are diagnosed with the virus. Currently, an estimated 23,000 Ontarians are living with HIV, with over 2,500 unaware of their status due to the absence of symptoms in the early years. African, Caribbean and Black communities face higher rates of infection due to intersecting social and structural factors, including systemic racism, stigma, and barriers to healthcare access.
Yet, progress in prevention and treatment is transforming the landscape. Today, new infections can be prevented, and treatments can be as simple as one pill a day or long-acting injections—allowing people living with HIV to thrive.
Voices behind the campaign
Lounanjio Brown O’Sullivan, ACCHO’s Director, brings an intersectional approach to the organization’s work, ensuring that ACB people living with HIV are meaningfully engaged in shaping solutions. This includes confronting anti-Black racism and other overlapping systems of oppression in healthcare.
For Dario Dvon, the opportunity to co-create and perform the anthem was deeply personal. Known for his commitment to visibility and community care, he describes the project as an opportunity to utilize his platform to help dismantle stigma and remind people that protecting one another begins with knowing our own health status.
Key takeaways from the “Take Care of We” campaign
Beyond its musical release, the campaign serves as a timely reminder of the tools and resources available today to prevent HIV.
- Testing saves lives: Early diagnosis means earlier access to effective treatment, which improves health outcomes and prevents transmission.
- Community responsibility: HIV awareness isn’t solely an individual concern—it’s a shared commitment to health, equity, and solidarity.
- Progress in care: Modern HIV treatment is accessible, manageable, and can significantly improve quality of life.
- Cultural relevance: Embedding public health messages in music and art ensures they resonate deeply within the communities they aim to reach.
A cultural call to action
By centring “Take Care of We” in its awareness strategy, ACCHO has created more than a campaign—it has sparked a cultural moment. The initiative invites everyone, whether directly affected or not, to play an active role in building healthier, more informed communities.
As the song gains traction across streaming platforms and social media, it carries a simple yet powerful message: get tested, take care of one another, and move forward together.
For more information on the campaign and resources on HIV testing and prevention, visit ACCHO’s official channels or search “Take Care of We (Get Tested)” on your preferred music platform.
Resources
- African Caribbean Council on HIV/AIDS in Ontario (ACCHO)
- knowHIV
- Ontario HIV Treatment Network (OHTN)
