Panama embraces British Columbia-inspired UNAIDS 90-90-90 treatment targets to end HIV/AIDS pandemic

published on June 29, 2015

Panama launches new treatment targets in partnership
with the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS

Panama City, Republic of Panama [June 29, 2015] — In collaboration with the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS (BC-CfE), over a year ago, Panama became the first Central American country to adopt British Columbia’s HIV Treatment as Prevention (TasP) strategy. Panama is once again taking a leadership position by announcing the implementation of the UNAIDS 90-90-90 treatment targets to reduce the global HIV/AIDS pandemic by 2030.

The United Nations adapted the principles of TasP, developed by Dr. Julio Montaner, BC-CfE director, and launched the 90-90-90 treatment targets which aims to transform the HIV/AIDS pandemic into a sporadic disease by 2030. To achieve the goals; by 2020:

90% of all people living with HIV knowing their HIV status
90% of all people with diagnosed HIV infection receiving sustained antiretroviral therapy
90% of all people receiving antiretroviral therapy having durable viral suppression

“Our Government has initiated steps to achieve the vision of zero new infections, zero deaths and zero discrimination in Panama,” said Dr. Francisco Javier Terrientes, Panama Minister of Health. He added, “A month ago, we launched the first HIV prevention campaign Evidence that Saves Lives with the support of the First Lady, Lorena Castillo de Varela, and several other stakeholders. Today, we will sign a memorandum of understanding, which confirms our commitment with the British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS in Vancouver, Canada, to support our efforts to control the epidemic in our country.”

The alliance between the Panamanian government and the BC-CfE affirms a commitment to develop new research and HIV programs, and an HIV fellowship program that will allow Panamanian HIV scientists to travel to Vancouver to work with BC-CfE researchers and clinicians. The BC-CfE will provide science and support in the development and evaluation of Panama’s TasP program.

“The 90-90-90 treatment targets have the potential to change the world forever by preventing infections, saving lives and, in the long-term, saving money,” said Dr. Montaner. “This collaboration will allow us to mutually develop and promote health priorities affecting Panama, British Columbia, and the global community in relation to HIV/AIDS.”

In adopting TasP, Panama joined China, France, Brazil, Spain, Argentina, Swaziland, and the Australian state of Queensland as their HIV/AIDS strategy. The model has also been implemented by cities in the United States, including San Francisco, New York City, and Washington, D.C.

“British Columbia has been an international leader in HIV/AIDS,” added Dr. Terrientes. “We look forward to continuing our relationship with the BC-CfE to achieve our goal of an AIDS-free generation.”

The TasP strategy involves early and widespread HIV testing and immediate offer and use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) to people living with HIV. The TasP strategy can be applied to other illness (a targeted disease elimination strategy) such as hepatitis B and C, other sexually transmitted infections, addictions and other communicable diseases.

Recently published research from the BC-CfE found the expansion of HIV treatment in B.C. has led to sustained and profound decreases in morbidity, mortality, and new cases of HIV. This further demonstrates the Province’s TasP strategy should be applied in other settings around the world. To complement the strategy, British Columbia has also supported harm reduction programs like needle distribution and recovery, which are integral in preventing HIV and hepatitis C.

Panama, which has a population of 3.8 million, has an estimated 17,000 people living with HIV. Comparatively, there are approximately 12,000 people living with HIV in B.C., which has a population of 4.6 million.

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About the British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS
The BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS (BC-CfE) is Canada’s largest HIV/AIDS research, treatment and education facility and is internationally recognized as an innovative world leader in combating HIV/AIDS and related diseases. BC-CfE is based at St. Paul’s Hospital, Providence Health Care, a teaching hospital of the University of British Columbia. The BC-CfE works in close collaboration with key provincial stakeholders, including government, health authorities, health care providers, academics from other institutions, and the community to decrease the health burden of HIV and AIDS. By developing, monitoring and disseminating comprehensive research and treatment programs for HIV and related illnesses, the BC-CfE helps improve the health of British Columbians.

For additional information or to request interviews, please contact:
Diane Pépin,
BC-CfE
Phone: 604-682-2344 ext. 63149
Email: dpepin@cfenet.ubc.ca

BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS

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Panama embraces British Columbia-inspired UNAIDS 90-90-90 treatment targets to end HIV/AIDS pandemic

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