Topic: HIV/AIDS
Country: Czech Republic
Delegate Name: Emma Erlenbeck
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Czech Republic position papers GLIMUN 2018 committees
The AIDS epidemic has been an increasing issue in the world since the 1980’s. Among the countries affected is the Czech Republic. In the Czech Republic, the HIV and AIDS epidemic is characterized as a low prevalence epidemic. In some sub populations however, the epidemic is more prevalent. The largest sub population being homosexual or bisexual relationships, specifically men having sex with other men. This group makes up 64.7% of cases in the country. Although the Czech Republic is a low level HIV and AIDS epidemic country, the issue is ever increasing. By 2015, a total of 236 deaths were confirmed as a result of HIV/AIDS in the country, with an additional 2,620 positive cases being reported. The Czech Republic aims to focus on at risk groups as well as provide early testing and counseling.
In The Czech Republic all Czechs have health insurance; therefore, all Czechs have access to HIV care. The country offers many treatments and programs to help those with AIDS. One such program is Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy. Introduced in 1996, the treatment uses a variety of drugs to treat the infection. In December of 2012 the National HIV/AIDS Programme 2013-2017 was enacted. Two of the program’s main goals were to stop HIV infection and to minimize the undesirable impact of HIV infection on individuals and society. The Czech Republic has not yet addressed the issue on an international level, instead opting to focus on domestic policy. The Ministry of Health and the National AIDS programme manager coordinate the multi-sectoral response including the National HIV/AIDS Programme 2013-2017 previously mentioned, preventive activities organized by the National Institute of Public Health, and community based counseling and testing. Many government sectors are involved in the effort, including but not limited to: Ministry of Health , Ministry of Labour Affairs, Ministry of Interior, and Ministry of Defense. There are also a variety of health organizations involved. There have been few statements made by government officials on the issue.
The Czech Republic urges the United Nations to adopt a program that would be widely available to those who need it. Having early testing available would result in people knowing if they are affected earlier. This would lead to earlier treatments and lower mortality. Having treatment and counseling is also important. The Czech Republic has these programs available to all Czechs, which mostly likely is a factor in the low HIV/AIDS rates. The United Nations can also work to erase the stigma around HIV/AIDS. There are many misconceptions and exaggerations about the issue and the United Nations could work to inform those around the world.
