Statements and Webcast
Belize
H.E. Mr. Pablo Marin, Minister for Health
9 June 2011
- Statement: English (Check against delivery)
Statement Summary
PABLO MARIN, Minister for Health of Belize, said that while his country had the highest prevalence rate of HIV in Central America and one of the highest in the Caribbean, there had been a 33 per cent decrease in the number of new infections, and the mother-to-child transmission rate was now less than 6 per cent. Due to scaled up treatment plans aimed at meeting complete universal access by 2015, the Government was now able to cover above 70 per cent of those needing care.
The ever growing dynamics of HIV/AIDS required an innovative approach. To maintain current successes and overcome challenges, developing countries like Belize needed to invest in cost-effective interventions and best practices, and seize national ownership at all levels. A broader and more integrated health-sector response to HIV was necessary to confront the growing pandemic of non-communicable diseases. Vertical programming and donor agency-driven programmes had proven largely unsustainable. Sustainable health initiatives required country ownership and a focus on the affected individuals.
Source: GA/11090