Statements and Webcast
Costa Rica
H.E. Mr. Eduardo Ulibarri, Permanent Representative
10 June 2011
- Statement: Spanish (Check against delivery)
Statement Summary
EDUARDO ULIBARRI ( Costa Rica) said that, in the fight to stop the spread of HIV, gender equality must be promoted and the human rights of everyone protected, regardless of a positive status. Otherwise, it would be impossible to provide universal access to prevention, treatment, care and support programmes. While prevention must be the cornerstone of the national response strategies, prevention efforts must be based on sound epidemiological evidence. Initiatives must target men who have sex with men, as well as other vulnerable groups, and political and ideological considerations must be avoided in discussions of those issues. To truly make a difference and curb the epidemic, public health must be promoted. Also, facts and empirical evidence must be the basis of all action.
In Costa Rica, there had been no cases of mother-to-child transmissions in the last two years, and health-care services were provided to all patients who needed them, he reported. To deal with people living with HIV, national health systems must be strengthened. Further, mechanisms to buy antiretroviral drugs were needed, he said, pointing to the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPs) in that regard. Stigma and discrimination must be eliminated in the workplace, as well as in health systems, through effective legislation. It was clear that stigma and discrimination could not be ended without further gender equality. Highlighting Security Council resolution 1983 (2011), he said the United Nations must ensure that its staff, as well as its troop- and police-contributing countries, did their part. Finally, the participation of those living with HIV and AIDS, as well as of young people, in designing and implementing relevant programmes was critical.
Source: GA/11093