In a significant move to combat HIV/AIDS, the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Public Health (MSP) has announced that it will assume full financial responsibility for the purchase of antiretroviral medications and essential supplies for HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention.
This decision comes at a time when USAID has suspended its HIV program in the Dominican Republic. The country’s National Program for the Control of STIs-HIV-Hepatitis revealed its 2024 investment of US$11,493,557.15, benefiting 76,257 individuals living with HIV. The investment covered medications, operational activities, distribution of antiretrovirals, hepatitis B supplies, viral load and genotype tests, and more.
The program also provided infant formula for children exposed to HIV and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) medication, benefiting 4,060 users. Additionally, the acquisition of CD4 tests for laboratories has strengthened diagnostic capabilities. These efforts have contributed to a 7% reduction in new HIV infections and a 55% decrease in related deaths.
Despite these achievements, officials acknowledge that financial sustainability remains a challenge. However, the country has proactively prepared by allocating its own funds to ensure the continuity of programs and prevent potential emergencies.
The Dominican Republic has been actively implementing strategies such as Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV transmission. These programs target high-risk populations, such as individuals with seropositive partners or sex workers.
Dr. Mónica Thorman, coordinator of the STI/HIV and Hepatitis Prevention Program, explained that the ministry has been preparing for this transition for the past five years. “This is not a severe or emergency situation for us because we have been preparing in recent years to do what we have to do as the governing body with our own funds, anticipating that in the future all those agencies could disappear,” she stated.
The country’s proactive approach includes prevention strategies in high-risk populations, encompassing education, condom distribution, antiretroviral therapy, PrEP, and collaborations with community organizations nationwide.
According to the Ministry of Public Health, by the end of 2024, the Dominican Republic had achieved a 7% reduction in new HIV infections and a 54% decrease in related deaths. Furthermore, over 73% of diagnosed individuals are adhering to their antiretroviral therapy.
While significant progress has been made, challenges remain, including eliminating stigma associated with the virus and ensuring equitable access to healthcare services. The Dominican Republic’s commitment to funding HIV medication demonstrates its dedication to public health and the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS.
Read more in Spanish:
Ministry of Public Health
El Caribe
11 February 2025