The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) and UNAIDS signed a cooperation agreement this month to strengthen the response to HIV in the Latin America region.
The objective is to join efforts to promote universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support services. The cooperation will focus on developing studies of existing inequalities faced by the people most affected by HIV, analysing the efficiency and sustainability of the regional HIV responses, monitoring the achievement of the internationally agreed development goals and positioning HIV as a priority within the post-2015 agenda.
As part of the ongoing collaboration, Social panorama of Latin America 2014 includes a joint analysis of the shared responsibilities in funding the HIV response in Latin America. Upcoming joint publications will put special emphasis on raising awareness about the inequalities among the populations being left behind and the efficiency and sustainability of HIV programmes in the region.
ECLAC, one of five United Nations regional commissions, was founded in 1948 to contribute to the economic development of Latin America; the promotion of the region's social development was later included among its primary objectives.
“The collaboration with the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean contributes significantly to our work, facilitating high-level advocacy efforts, ensuring sustainability of the HIV response and diminishing social inequalities in the region.”
César Núñez, Director, UNAIDS Regional Support Team for Latin America
"The agreement with UNAIDS has to do with our continuous commitment to foster development with equity and environmental sustainability in the Latin American and Caribbean countries."
Alicia Bárcena, ECLAC Executive Secretary
