Plan of Action for the prevention and control of HIV and sexually transmitted infections 2016-2021

Abstract

[Introduction]. Since the HIV epidemic began, the Region of the Americas has spearheaded the global response to HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), pursuing efforts based on a public health and human rights approach. While progress has been made, significant gaps and challenges persist, and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and its Member States must now strengthen their capacity to undertake innovative and effective strategies to address these epidemics and pave the way towards their elimination as public health problems. This Plan describes the strategic lines of action to be implemented by Member States and the Pan American Sanitary Bureau (PASB) between 2016 and 2021, as they strive to enhance and expand the prevention and control of HIV and STIs1 in the Americas. This Plan sets forth a blueprint for Member States to use as they deem appropriate and considering their contexts, needs, and priorities, to attain an accelerated, focused, innovative, effective, and sustainable response to HIV/STIs in the Region of the Americas, based on a public health, human rights, gender equality, and intercultural approach. The Plan also aims at achieving universal access to health and universal health coverage by delivering comprehensive, quality, universal and progressively expanded HIV/STI prevention, care, and treatment services through integrated health services networks, with active participation of civil society2 and a people- and community-centered approach focusing on key populations and others in situation of vulnerability.