Haiti has shown substantial progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS, despite the insecurity that prevents adequate patient care and the delivery of medications to treat the disease.

Ninety-six percent of people living with HIV are informed of their status; 89% of them are receiving treatment, and 87% have already managed to lower their viral load to undetectable levels.

Currently, gender-based violence in Haiti is one of the main obstacles to progress in the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean nation.

Even if there are results, health authorities must continue working on screening services, training health personnel, supporting vulnerable children and women, and distributing medications to treat the disease.

According to the online newspaper Haiti Libre, people who experience violence are at greater risk of contracting HIV, and most face difficulties accessing treatment.

The government must foster understanding and respect for those living with HIV, and by working together to overcome the social barriers that stand in the way of prevention and treatment.

This nation, despite reducing infections, has the highest prevalence rate in the Caribbean, and the epidemic particularly affects women, with a prevalence rate of 2.1 percent equal to 1.3 percent among men.

abo/jdt/mem/joe