President of the General Assembly, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates,

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

CARICOM reaffirms our unwavering commitment to ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, consistent with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and previous Political Declarations on HIV and AIDS.

This High-Level Meeting comes at a critical moment.

However, our progress remains fragile.

The Caribbean has shown that progress is possible when governments, communities, development partners, civil society and academia work together. Through the Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP), the region has built one of the world's most coordinated HIV responses.

Since 2010, the Caribbean has reduced AIDS-related deaths by 62 percent and new HIV infections by 21 percent. Thirteen Caribbean countries have been validated by the WHO for the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and/or syphilis.

The Caribbean continues to have one of the highest HIV prevalence rates outside sub-Saharan Africa. Young people account for approximately one-quarter of new infections, while key populations account for nearly half. Only 66 percent of persons on treatment have achieved viral suppression. Stigma, discrimination, gender inequality, and social exclusion continue to limit access to services. Persons with disabilities also face additional barriers.

Moreover, more than two-thirds of HIV financing in the Caribbean comes from external sources. Recent disruptions in the global financing landscape have highlighted the vulnerability of prevention programmes, community-led initiatives, and essential health services.

For  our countries, HIV cannot be addressed in isolation.

Guided by the Caribbean Regional Strategic Framework on HIV and AIDS 2026–2030, CARICOM calls for action in five critical areas.

First, ensure equitable access to scientific innovations in HIV prevention and treatment.

Second, secure sustainable, predictable, and equitable financing for the HIV response, with special consideration for the unique vulnerabilities of Small Island Developing States.

Third, address barriers that limit access to affordable medicines and health technologies, including intellectual property.

Fourth, strengthen health system resilience by integrating HIV services within primary health care and advancing universal health coverage.

Fifth, recognize climate change as a growing threat to health security and the continuity of HIV services.

Madam President,
The world stands at a crossroads. The tools to end AIDS exist. The science is stronger than ever. What is needed now is the political will, financing, and solidarity to turn opportunity into impact.
Failure to act risks reversing decades of progress. Success would represent one of the greatest public health achievements of our generation.

CARICOM remains steadfast in our commitment to leaving no one behind. We stand ready to work with Member States, the United Nations system, civil society, and development partners to build a future where HIV is no longer a public health threat and where all people can live with dignity, equality, and hope.

Let us renew our collective commitment and accelerate action to end AIDS by 2030.

I thank you.