Port-au-Prince, Haiti — In an unusual and brave display of solidarity, dozens of Haitians who suffer from HIV were on their streets on Wednesday to protest against the severe reductions in U.S. foreign aid which directly affects the availability of life-saving antiretroviral drugs. The protesters were adamant about that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) of putting thousands of lives in danger by cutting its aid to HIV treatments in Haiti.

The public outcry comes as the country is confronted with a growing health crisis that is exacerbated by gang violence, political instability violence, and constant shortages of medical equipment.

“We Won’t Be Silenced”: Haitians Speak Out

Wearing white and holding banners that read “My Life Matters” and “HIV Needs Treatment, Not Budget Cuts,” protesters marched through the entrance of the Ministry of Public Health, insisting on transparency and renewed support to both Haitian government as well as the U.S.

 “This is not just about politics,” said Jean-Robert Lemoine who is a local HIV awareness activist. “This is about the survival of people. The removal of these programs could be an end-of-life sentence for a lot of people.”

 External Sources: Human Rights Watch Human Rights Watch HIV Patients in Haiti have a problem with medication

USAID Funding Slashed Amid Global Reallocations

USAID acknowledges budgetary constraints however, it insists that it is “working with partners to ensure essential care continues.” However the current situation in the field tells an entirely different situation. Clinics are reporting that they’re running out of essential antiretroviral medicines Outreach programs are being cut down drastically.

Around 150,000 people live in the country with HIV In Haiti and more than 60% of them relying on USID-supported clinics to administer medication and test.

 External Source: UNAIDS – Haiti HIV Statistics & Challenges

Resisting Stigma, Embracing Visibility

Beyond the reductions in funding the protest was also historic in its refusal to be a victim to stigma. Many of the participants did not have the courage to publicly acknowledge their HIV status before, but they cited the growing need to come out.

Their actions signal a fresh chapter for Haiti’s HIV advocacy, one that is centered around the visibility respect, dignity, and access to healthcare.