What UN Staff in Latin America and the Caribbean Need to Say About the HIV Epidemic

This document was produced for the United Nations staff in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) as a follow-up to "Strengthening the UN Response to HIV/AIDS in Countries in Latin America and the Caribbean" (Washington DC, June 11 2003), a declaration by the Regional Directors Group. It aims to promote change at the political and social levels by focusing on the changes that are most needed and most difficult to achieve.

It also aims to help the United Nations system speak with one voice while addressing the following aspects of the HIV epidemic in the region:

1. Factors that contribute to the spread of HIV in LAC
2. Elements of a comprehensive response
3. Prevention
4. Vulnerable groups
5. Young people
6. Care and support

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) suggests that this document may be particularly useful for meetings with authorities and interviews with journalists. While produced for the United Nations staff, other audiences may find it useful for advocacy activities.