Treatment GuideJust DiagnosedSex & DatingAfrican AmericanStigmaAsk the HIV DocPrEP En EspañolNewsVoicesPrint IssueVideoOut 100
CONTACTCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2024 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS calls for a coordinated approach in supporting Haiti, the country most affected by HIV in the Caribbean, to rebuild its AIDS response in the wake of the January 12 earthquake. Following an initial rapid assessment of the situation with the Ministry of Public Health and Population, UNAIDS has released the concept note Helping Haiti rebuild its AIDS response. The report explains the current situation in Haiti and what may be required to meet the immediate and intermediate AIDS response needs. UNAIDS will continue to revise and update this assessment as new information becomes available.
"It is unprecedented to have such a huge natural disaster in a country with a high HIV prevalence," said Michel Sidibé, executive director of UNAIDS.
There were an estimated 120,000 people living with HIV in Haiti before the earthquake. Haiti's epidemic is mostly driven by heterosexual sex and an estimated 53% of people living with HIV are women.
Most of the structural damage happened in the three departments (Ouest, Sud-Est and les Nippes) that accounted for nearly 60% of the population of people living with HIV.
"Now, more than 1 million people are living in temporary shelters, putting them at greater risk of violence that includes sexual and gender based violence," added Sidibé. "Programmes are urgently needed to reduce vulnerabilities to HIV and ensure protection."
The three most affected areas also had more than half of all the antiretroviral treatment sites. Assessment teams have noted make-shift clinics under tents popping up to help increase treatment access, however, the Ministry of Health estimates that less than 40% of the 24,000 people living with HIV who were on treatment before the earthquake have accessed them.
Civil society networks of people living with HIV as well as many of the organizations providing HIV services have been affected by the earthquake and will need to be strengthened.
Currently Haiti is experiencing a critical interruption of HIV services and programmes and will need comprehensive and sustained support for the country to regain momentum towards universal access targets to HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support.
Seven priority actions have been identified:
(1) Rebuild health systems (including antiretroviral and PMTCT services);
(2) Protect displaced people from HIV;
(3) Rebuild the national and local network of people living with HIV;
(4) Support social protection measures;
(5) Revitalize HIV prevention programmes;
(6) Reestablish comprehensive coordination mechanisms for the AIDS response; and
(7) Develop a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation mechanism.
Want more breaking equality news & trending entertainment stories?
Check out our NEW 24/7 streaming service: the Advocate Channel!
Download the Advocate Channel App for your mobile phone and your favorite streaming device!
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
Before AIDS, gay artist Rex drew hot men on the prowl — then he disappeared
April 11 2024 3:15 PM
Diets that mimic fasting reverse aging: study
March 07 2024 5:28 PM
PrEP without a prescription now a reality in California
February 06 2024 8:37 PM
Injectable HIV treatment, prevention: Everything you need to know
March 26 2024 3:28 PM
8 dating tips for gay men from a gay therapist
March 21 2024 2:50 PM
Happy national foreskin day!
April 04 2024 1:45 PM
The science behind U=U has been liberating people with HIV for years
June 04 2024 3:31 PM
Scarlet fever: exploring our fascination with blood
March 13 2024 1:47 PM
On Anal Sex Day, crack up with The Bottom's Digest
April 18 2024 10:22 AM
Plus: Featured Video
Latest Stories
Activist and philanthropist Bruce Bastian dies at 76
June 26 2024 1:28 PM
Yes, HIV-positive people can safely breastfeed
June 26 2024 12:59 PM
Exclusive: We kiki with Q from 'RuPaul's Drag Race'
June 24 2024 11:37 AM
Court rules to keep PrEP coverage under Obamacare
June 21 2024 5:42 PM
In honor of Juneteenth 2024, meet The Normal Anomaly
June 19 2024 1:39 PM
What is Juneteenth?
June 19 2024 11:30 AM
As Pride party season begins, the CDC urges mpox vaccinations
May 16 2024 6:52 PM
Advocacy in action with AIDSWatch
May 09 2024 12:30 PM
The Talk: Thriving with HIV
May 08 2024 10:45 AM
The Talk: What HIV isn’t
May 07 2024 10:48 AM
The Talk: Finding balance with HIV
May 06 2024 10:51 AM
Justice Dept plans to reschedule marijuana as a lower-risk drug
May 03 2024 2:40 PM
The Talk: Starting your journey with HIV
May 03 2024 2:00 PM
Why is a mother’s mental health so important? A doctor explains
May 01 2024 1:38 PM
Walmart to close all of its health care clinics
April 30 2024 12:30 PM
Vampire facial spa infected several women with HIV
April 29 2024 7:26 PM