Government seeks sustainable funding for national HIV response

Santo Domingo.- The Ministry of Health and the National Council for HIV and AIDS (Conavihsida) launched a national dialogue to develop the Transition and Sustainability Plan for the National HIV Response 2026-2030, aimed at ensuring the long-term continuity of HIV prevention, treatment and care in the Dominican Republic.

Health Minister Víctor Atallah said the government is committed to maintaining the financial sustainability of HIV programs while gradually transitioning from international funding to greater national self-sufficiency. He highlighted continued access to medications, modern treatments, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and expanded diagnostic efforts, noting that the rise in reported HIV cases reflects improved testing rather than increased transmission.

Officials also reported that the Dominican Republic has surpassed the UNAIDS 95% treatment target, with more than 57,700 people receiving antiretroviral therapy and over 51,000 achieving viral suppression. Participants from government, civil society, academia and international organizations used the forum to establish priorities and financing mechanisms for the country’s HIV strategy through 2030.