Sunday December 1st at the El Rancho Hotel, as part of World AIDS Day, in the presence of government officials, representatives of local and international organizations, people living with HIV, and Michèle Sison, the Ambassador of the United States in Haiti, Mrs. Marie Greta Roy Clément, the Minister of Public Health and her various partners celebrated this Day, under the patronage of First Lady Martine Moïse, around the theme "Communities make the difference" , "Nan batay kont maladi Sida, kominote yo fè diferans lan".

This 31st celebration of World AIDS Day emphasized the vital role played by communities in the fight against AIDS by increasing their daily protection of the population.

For the year 2019, the National AIDS Control Program of the Ministry of Health has identified 160,000 people living with HIV in Haiti and the number of infected children is estimated at 8,700.

Remember that in the last five years, the Anti Retro Viraux (ARV) coverage has doubled; from 32% in 2012 to 64% in 2018 and 77% of people living with HIV know their status, 64% of them have access to treatment and 57% of these patients are on ARVs.

Edwing Charles, the Minister of Youth, who participated in this celebration delivered a message to young people estimated to more than 60% of the population, which is the layer most exposed to this disease.

"Dear young people, strong forces and spearhead of the Haitian society,

[...] To draw your attention to the importance of the fight against this scourge and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) is of major importance. I remind you that you are the largest layer of the Haitian population, likely to catch STIs, including AIDS. Protect yourself against these dangers in order to plan your future, on which our country depends [...] find out about the risks of contamination before engaging in any sexual relationship.

I will take this opportunity to remind you of the three main ways to prevent STIs : abstinence, fidelity and the correct use of condoms. Be responsible in your community [...] Be leaders, role models to influence the behavior of other young people in your environment. So your society will know a better tomorrow 'Jenès Responsab = Jenès Djanm = Peyi djanm'"

HL/ HaitiLibre