Sunday at St. Therese Park in Pétion-Ville, the Presidential Couple, proceeded with the celebration of World AIDS Day on the theme « Sida, mwen pap pran, mwen pap bay » in the presence of several members of the government including Dr. Florence D. Guillaume, Minister of Public Health and Population, Magalie Racine, the Minister of Youth, Sports and Civic Action, Ms. Yvanka Jolicoeur Brutus, Mayor of Petion-Ville, Pamela White Ambassador of the United States of America in Haiti and representatives of bilateral and multilateral organizations, partners in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Dr. Florence D. Guillaume insisted on the existing coherence within the Government in the fight against HIV/AIDS. “The MSPP is committed to support and accompany all patients at the national level” and praised the efforts of the First Lady, Sophia Martelly, who, as President of the Multisectoral Coordinating Council (CCM), strives to prevent the spread of the disease, in order to maintain Haitian youth in perfect health.
For her part, Ms. Martelly declared, “This day of December 1 continues to remind us of the many damages caused by this disease in our families and our community. December 1 is a day of hope, commitment and mutual solidarity “, reminding communities the need to have a esponsible and caring behavior against all forms of discrimination.
For her part, Pamela White, invited the Haitian population, especially young people, to get tested.
President Martelly, concluded the ceremony by reminding the public that the government was taking its responsibilities. He said he expected the cooperation of all sectors in order to identify the real problems “We must get together to fight not only AIDS but also unemployment, malnutrition, illiteracy,” he said.
This day of celebration of the fight against AIDS has resulted in many screening activities, of blood donation and information sessions.
Moreover, in a statement, the Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe Welcomes the efforts made by the Government, through the Ministry of Health in collaboration with its partners, for the considerable decrease in the number of HIV positive people who reached the milestone of 3.67%. “In accordance with the President of the Republic, Michel Martelly, the Government continues to mobilize to increase health services and effective management of infected people, including pregnant women, children and teenager.”
The head of government welcomed the considerable increase in 2013, in the number of people living with HIV / AIDS registered for treatment and welcomed the expansion of Centers for Disease Control and prevention of diseases in 204 laboratories and all sites of HIV.
HL/ TB/ HaitiLibre