PAHO Director sees need for change in legislative framework to integrate HIV into general health system
Image: Dr Clarissa Etienne, PAHO Director (centre)
The PAHO Director, Dr Clarissa Etienne, suggested the need for change in the legislative framework to facilitate the integration of HIV into general health systems. The Director was speaking at the Global Fund Dialogue among leaders on mobilizing and promoting better use of HIV and health investment convened at the 10th International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Science which is being held in Mexico City, Mexico from 20-24 July.
Dr Etienne explained that this requires a legal and institutional framework. She stated that HIV prevention in care should be included in health packages and that emphasis on comprehensive care can reduce cost and improve efficiency. The second priority should be decentralizing of HIV services and strengthening of health care services at the first level of care and referral systems. Thirdly, countries should adopt principles of the primary health care approach – participation, people centeredness, multidisciplinary team, and address stigma and discrimination.
WHAT IS PANCAP?
PANCAP is a Caribbean regional partnership of governments, regional civil society organisations, regional institutions and organisations, bilateral and multilateral agencies and contributing donor partners established on 14 February 2001. PANCAP provides a structured and unified approach to the Caribbean’s response to the HIV epidemic, and coordinates the response through the Caribbean Regional Strategic Framework on HIV and AIDS to maximise efficient use of resources and increase impact, mobilise resources and build the capacity of partners.
What are the Global AIDS Strategy 2021–2026 targets and commitments?
If targets and commitments in the strategy are achieved:
- The number of people who newly acquire HIV will decrease from 1.7 million in 2019 to less than 370 000 by 2025
- The number of people dying from AIDS-related illnesses will decrease from 690 000 in 2019 to less than 250 000 in 2025.
- The goal of eliminating new HIV infections among children will see the number of new HIV infections drop from 150,000 in 2019 to less than 22,000 in 2025.
What are the 95-95-95 Targets for ending AIDS?
- 95% of People Living with HIV know their HIV status;
- 95% of people who know their status on treatment; and
- 95% of people on treatment with suppressed viral loads.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Global AIDS Strategy 2021–2026, End Inequalities, End AIDS
https://pancap.org/pancap-documents/global-aids-strategy-2021-2026-end-inequalities-end-aids/
Caribbean Regional Strategic Framework on HIV and AIDS (CRSF) 2019-2025
https://pancap.org/pancap-documents/caribbean-regional-strategic-framework-2019-2025/