Posted on October 5, 2009

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Clinton HIV/AIDS Initiative Expands Services to Strengthen Health Systems in Haiti

The Clinton HIV/AIDS Initiative has announced a partnership with the government of Haiti that will allow the initiative to expand access to HIV/AIDS care and treatment services, provide on-the-ground programmatic and technical support, and strengthen the systems required to deliver primary healthcare services to Haitians in need.

Former President Bill Clinton, the United Nations' special envoy for Haiti, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a CHAI office in the impoverished country. In return, CHAI will support the government's strategic planning and resource optimization efforts, in addition to focusing on vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and children.

At 2.2 percent, Haiti has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in the region, and only half of those in need of care and treatment receive it. Moreover, because fewer than half of the pregnant women in Haiti deliver their babies in a healthcare facility, access to services that can prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV remains low, while maternal mortality remains high.

"My foundation's global AIDS work began in the Bahamas, the setting for one of the great success stories in the fight against HIV/AIDS," said President Clinton. "I am confident that by using the same approach that is currently helping two million people access lifesaving treatment around the world, we can achieve the same success in Haiti. I look forward to working alongside the government of Haiti to strengthen health systems and save more lives."

“President Clinton and President Preval Sign Agreement to Expand HIV/AIDS Services and Strengthen Health Systems in Haiti.” William J. Clinton Foundation Press Release 10/01/09.

Primary Subject: Health
Secondary Subject(s): International Affairs/Development
Location(s): International

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