Haiti: Advocacy
Housing Works began working with grassroots Haitian AIDS organizations in 2008 and expanded our efforts after the devastation of the January 12, 2010 earthquake. In partnership with Plateforme Haitienne Des Associations de PVVIH (PHAP+), a coalition of 12 grassroots Haitian AIDS organizations, we pursue an ambitious advocacy agenda.
Pushing for a National AIDS Strategy
According to UNAIDS, fewer than 40% of Haitians who were receiving AIDS-related care before the January 12 earthquake receive it now and the majority of AIDS treatment facilities and clinics in the capital, Port-au-Prince, as well as Jacmel, Leogane and Petit Goâve have been destroyed. More than 1 million Haitians are living in unplanned encampments, making them vulnerable to the spread of HIV.
In partnership with members of the grassroots Haitian AIDS coalition Plateforme Haitienne Des Associations de PVVIH (PHAP+), Housing Works is calling upon the Haitian government to establish a National AIDS Strategy to rebuild Haiti’s network of AIDS services and to use this rebuilding process as an opportunity to improve access to HIV treatment and prevention, including greater involvement of Haitians living with HIV/AIDS.
The Role of the United States
Pres. Obama has proposed a $1.6 billion Haiti relief package—but no money has been designated for the rebuilding of Haiti’s AIDS services! Before the quake, 2.2% of Haitians were living with HIV AIDS; without a swift response, that number is sure to increase, with potentially devastating consequences. Housing Works and PHAP+ are pushing for $100 million in PEPFAR funding designated for AIDS.
Housing Works and PHAP+ have held protests in Port-au-Prince and New York City demanding a Haitian National AIDS Strategy and pursued high-level meetings in Washington.
More information on AIDS and Haiti
Fight so Haiti isn’t forgotten
Housing Works and PHAP+ have held protests in Port-au-Prince and New York City demanding a Haitian National AIDS Strategy and pursued high-level meetings in Washington.
Contact
- Housing Works Haiti Office
- Contact: Edner Boucicaut
- Email: E.Boucicaut@housingworks.org
- Phone: Tél (Haiti) Cell:509.37 88 23 83 / 509. 34 34 43 01
Other Haiti Programs
PHAP+
Housing Works’ partner in Haiti, Plateforme Haitienne Des Associations de PVVIH (PHAP+), is a coalition of 13 community-based AIDS organizations led by Haitians living with HIV/AIDS. PHAP+ has a unique ability to both empower Haitians with HIV/AIDS to advocate on their own behalf and extend the reach of AIDS treatment and supportive services.
