World AIDS Day, on December 1st, summons the unit for prevention and equal opportunities to access the health systems in each territory.
Las Tunas, Cuba.- “In Las Tunas, as in the whole country, the epidemic is centered on men as a generic group. That is why UNAIDS has called to be working on equality this year. Despite all the advances we have had, there are still barriers and difficulties that prevent people from promptly seeking medical services," said Mayelín Ayala García, a specialist in Vulnerable Groups and Counseling for the STI/HIV/AIDS Program at the territory.
Precisely, inequalities are the weak points in the treatment of this disease, as identified by experts. This means that people cannot receive the medical assistance they need at a certain time, after having been diagnosed.
“We intend to close gaps, which do not allow us working a timely and organized manner. Under the motto 'Equality, the best response to HIV', we want to enforce the strategies from the Public Health System, bringing all the services closer to the person -in the individual context-, from the community, where they socialize. It is in the same Health area to which each patient belongs, with the care of the family doctor.
"Our intention, as health infrastructure, is that the person can receive all the information, the educational material that is available; but, in addition, that they have the possibility of choosing if they want to know their serological condition and have a specialized examination", the health counselor said.
She added that the promoters of these efforts “are very happy with the recently approved Family Code. This legislation is committed to equality for women and men, where all citizens have the same rights and access, and contributes to avoiding violence.”
The activities that began on November 1 had a significant moment on the 25th of that month -Day of Non-Violence against Women and Girls- and will conclude on December 10, International Human Rights Day.
“The epidemic cannot be the sole responsibility of the health services. The call is for all people, all sectors, and all organizations, to be involved in a campaign that is committed to prevention. Equality is sought and it is about eliminating gender violence in its various manifestations, be it physical, economic, patrimonial, but also equality in medical care as a vital human right,” she added.
This is a Program that is committed to everyone and where the community makes a difference.
