UNFPA Executive Director Calls for Stronger Response to AIDS Epidemic Among Women in Latin America and the Caribbean

UNITED NATIONS, New York — AIDS response must be stronger among women and vulnerable groups, UNFPA’s Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid told more than 20 ministers from Latin American and Caribbean governments gathered at a high-level event at the United Nations today to discuss HIV/AIDS in the region.

“Women now represent just over half of adults living with HIV in the Caribbean and nearly a third of adults living with HIV in the region as a whole,” she said. Ms. Obaid also pointed out the need to focus on youth, especially young women, by intensifying prevention efforts among young people.

Other participants warned that, even though the region consists largely of middle-income countries, this should not prevent them from receiving funds for prevention, treatment and care for the disease.

Ms. Obaid praised Latin American and Caribbean leaders for their commitment to fighting the disease, for their strong health care systems, and for their capacity to exchange knowledge and experiences within the region. She also pointed out that many countries in the region had a history of social mobilization and civil society and that this was an important part of fighting the pandemic.

The special event was organized by the Regional Director’s Group on HIV/AIDS for Latin America and the Caribbean, a United Nations coordinating body led by Marisela Pardon, Director of UNFPA’s Division for Latin America and the Caribbean. 

— Trygve Olfarnes