Why is HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment so critical in Haiti?
A2: AIDS is destroying the development potential in Haiti. Not only is it putting young women at risk, but it is also undermining the base of human capital, one of Haiti’s most abundant resources. After more than 14 years of turmoil, Haiti was on the verge of state failure, but the more recent effort since 2004 to reestablish democratic governance in Haiti has made progress in stabilizing the country. The UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) is working on a peacekeeping mission that addresses not only security, but also development. This mission is up for renewal in October 2008. The United States has an interest in preventing failed states, which is part of its national security strategy, and seeks engagement with Haiti on a wide range of governance and development agenda items. Haiti also shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic. There is great potential for cross-border transmission of the disease, given the porous nature of the border and the large number
