Successes and challenges of HIV treatment programs in Haiti: aftermath of the earthquake

Abstract

Haiti's HIV/AIDS program is one of the most successful in the world, with a declining HIV prevalence, and treatment outcomes that rival those of industrialized nations. It is now on the way to providing universal treatment for HIV/AIDS nationwide. This success is tied to a strong foundation for HIV care that was in place before external funding became available that includes national guidelines prepared by the Ministry of Health, political commitment at the highest levels of government, non-governmental organizations that had been providing high quality care in Haiti for decades, and the assistance of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB, and Malaria, the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and other private donors.While the challenges of human resource shortages, widespread poverty, and limited infrastructure cannot be overstated, these are being addressed through the provision of integrated, comprehensive services. Haiti's successful treatment models are being duplicated around the world.