On World AIDS Day 2025, Belize faces a sobering assessment of its ongoing battle against HIV, with health authorities acknowledging significant challenges despite nearly four decades of global awareness and twenty-five years of national response efforts. The latest data reveals 244 new HIV cases recorded in 2024 alone, highlighting the persistent transmission rates that continue to trouble the Central American nation.
Dolores Balderamos-Garcia, Chair of Belize’s National AIDS Commission, emphasized the critical need for transformative approaches during commemorative ceremonies. “Despite all our efforts, we still have a challenge in Belize,” stated Balderamos-Garcia, noting that the global epidemic now approaches its fourth decade with continued urgency.
The commission has adopted the international theme “Overcoming disruption and transforming the AIDS response” to guide renewed efforts toward achieving the ambitious 95-95-95 targets by 2030. These targets aim to ensure that 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of diagnosed individuals receive antiretroviral therapy, and 95% of those treated achieve viral suppression—a crucial milestone that prevents further transmission.
Balderamos-Garcia highlighted the scientific consensus that effective viral suppression virtually eliminates transmission risk, underscoring the importance of treatment adherence. She reflected on Belize’s three-decade-long response, noting that while knowledge and tools have advanced significantly, implementation gaps and persistent stigma continue to hinder progress toward epidemic control.
The announcement comes as global health organizations and national governments reassess strategies to revitalize HIV prevention and treatment programs following pandemic-related disruptions that affected healthcare delivery worldwide.