UNAIDS said that the Caribbean’s resilience is proven, but resilience alone cannot counter shrinking resources and mounting shocks from social, economic, environmental and health inequalities.

“We must strengthen health systems, scale community-led solutions, and guarantee uninterrupted access to HIV prevention, treatment, and care services. Ending AIDS by 2030 demands urgency, unity, and renewed commitment,” UNAIDS said.

UNAIDS said that as countries confront widening inequalities, service disruptions, and declining external financing, global solidarity becomes indispensable.

“No nation can close the remaining gaps in prevention, treatment, and protection of rights on its own. UNAIDS calls on the international community to stand with countries most affected by the epidemic, closing funding shortfalls, dismantling legal and social barriers, and fully resourcing community leadership at every level. This is essential for a sustainable and resilient HIV response, ” it continued.

It said it is also urging Caribbean leaders to advance on the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.3 to end AIDS and embrace the Global AIDS Strategy 2026–2031 to be endorsed and presented to member states this month by deepening regional partnerships, strengthening health systems, safeguarding service continuity, and addressing stigma and discrimination.

“This includes expanding people-centered and rights-based access to prevention and treatment, and investing domestic resources in sustainable, community-led responses capable of withstanding future shocks,” UNAIDS added.

UNAIDS urges Caribbean to overcome disruption to transform AIDS response

Jamaica Observer | 2025-12-01 | Original Article