Caribbean health authorities have issued a powerful declaration of resolve in the face of mounting financial challenges threatening regional HIV/AIDS elimination efforts. On World AIDS Day 2025, Dr. Wendy Telgt Emanuelson, Director of the PANCAP Coordinating Unit, delivered a stirring message emphasizing regional determination to preserve hard-won gains against the pandemic.
The statement comes amid significant global funding reductions that jeopardize critical treatment programs, prevention initiatives, and decades of progress. Rather than retreating, Caribbean leaders are championing a transformative approach under the theme “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response.” This strategic pivot emphasizes efficiency, community empowerment, and optimized resource allocation to maintain momentum toward elimination targets.
Notable achievements already demonstrate the region’s capability, including several Caribbean nations successfully eliminating mother-to-child HIV transmission. The ongoing commitment to the 95-95-95 targets (95% of people living with HIV knowing their status, 95% on treatment, and 95% virally suppressed) remains unwavering despite financial headwinds.
Dr. Emanuelson’s address specifically acknowledged healthcare workers, civil society partners, and affected communities as essential pillars in this renewed effort. The message stressed that Caribbean resilience, forged through historical challenges, provides unique strength to overcome current obstacles through innovation, solidarity, and strategic restructuring of response systems.
The director’s concluding remarks framed the funding crisis not as a defeat but as an opportunity to build a more sustainable, community-led model that could ultimately strengthen the region’s path toward complete HIV elimination by 2030.