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.