Winnie BYANYIMA, Executive Director of UNAIDS and Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations paid a solidarity visit to Haiti.

During her mission, Ms Byanyima praised the remarkable progress made by Haiti in its response to HIV despite a challenging context. Haiti is making good progress towards achieving the 95-95-95 treatment targets for 2030, with 87% of people living with HIV diagnosed, 96% of those on treatment, and 85% of people on treatment attained viral suppression. Since 2010, the number of new HIV infections has decreased by 34% and the number of HIV-related deaths by 75%. Community-based civil society organizations, supported by PEPFAR and Global Fund investments, have played a crucial role in these achievements through innovative and agile service delivery approaches. She praised the determination and resilience of the proud Haitians who continue to inspire the world despite the crisis during dialogues with community-based organizations.

"This is the first time I visit a country with a network of 26 organizations of people living with HIV. Behind each of them are brave people who are fighting stigma and demanding full enjoyment of their rights," stated Winnie Byanyima. 

She also said that women's voices are essential in the search for better strategies for peace and security, as well as for the protection of vulnerable groups, including PLHIV, and to advance the fight against gender-based violence. "Too often, women are excluded, and I will carry your voice wherever I go."

She was also able to realize the current challenges faced due to the security and humanitarian crisis that affects health infrastructures and services for people living with HIV. Expressing solidarity with those affected by the insecurity caused by gangs, particularly in the West and Artibonite departments, Ms. Byanyima expressed her concern over the daily deaths and sexual violence against vulnerable populations.

"I had the privilege of hearing directly from the women's movement in Haiti about the challenges related to gender equality and gender-based violence and how UNAIDS and its partners can support them," expressed Ms Byanyima. Women's voices in questioning the peace and security strategy are essential; our efforts must also prioritize the fight against violence towards women and girls, and this is important within the UN system."

Winnie Byanyima had the opportunity to meet with the transitional authorities, including members of the Transitional Presidential Council (CPT), as well as the Prime Minister, some members of the government, the diplomatic corps and technical and financial partners. Meetings during which she stressed the urgent need to address current gangs related insecurity in Haiti, advocating for political stability to avoid loss of progress to HIV response in the country, to improve security, to ensure access to humanitarian aid, to establish a climate conducive to dialogues which include women’s involvement in political governance and socio-economic empowerment, among others. 

"The international community must mobilize to support the Haitian people in their efforts to restore stability and ensure that HIV remains a priority on the global political agenda," according to the UNAIDS Executive Director.  She also reiterated the United Nations' support to continuing advocacy for the mobilization of resources to fight HIV/AIDS worldwide, and particularly in Haiti.

The mission was attended by Ms. María Isabel Salvador, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), as well as Ms. Ingeborg Ulrika Ulfsdotter Richardson, United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Haiti.

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Contacts :
Daniel de Castro │ UNAIDS Latin America and the Caribbean│ decastrod@unaids.org │ +507 6998 3175
Christian Mouala │ UNAIDS Haiti │moualac@unaids.org │ +5094777190