WCC NEWS: In Bolivia, churches and communities speak out on addressing health crisis

The World Council of Churches (WCC) and its partner organizations, walking with people living with HIV, are addressing the health crisis in Bolivia, specifically the lack of substantive proposals from presidential candidates.  Snow-capped mountains of the altiplano are the backdrop for a street scene in La Paz. Photo: Sean Hawkey, all rights reserved 14 August 2025 “In Latin America and the Caribbean, 70–80% of new HIV infections occur among key populations and their partners, underscoring the need for targeted and inclusive health strategies,” noted the group in a communique. “Hospitals face overcrowding, staffing shortages, and lack of supplies.” Recently, the Dr Mario Ortiz Suárez Children’s Hospital in Santa Cruz announced the termination of 35 nurses’ contracts due to financial constraints. “From 1984 to 2024, Bolivia recorded 43,295 HIV cases,” reads the message. “The community estimates that at least 2,006 new cases will be reported in 2025.” The group noted that gaps remain in diagnosis, treatment access, and viral suppression. “In 2018, Bolivia spent only 6.3% of its GDP on health—one of the lowest in South America—leading to unequal access and limited quality care for most citizens,” notes the communique. “Bolivia is facing a potential drug shortage due to foreign currency scarcity.” By 2027, Bolivia must fully take over all responsibilities previously supported by international aid, yet no clear government plan exists to ensure this transition. “While 77% of people living with HIV globally have access to antiretroviral treatment, only 72% have achieved viral suppression,” reads the message. “These figures stress the urgency of comprehensive, resilient, and sustainable programs.” The message calls on all political parties to publicly present concrete health policies; clearly disclose budget allocations for HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria; and recognize that investing in health means investing in Bolivia’s economy and social fabric. “We are not asking for charity—we are demanding the fulfilment of a constitutional right,” concludes the message. “Our lives, our dignity, and our future are at stake.” Gracia Violeta Ross, WCC programme executive for HIV, Reproductive Health, and Pandemics, noted that presidential elections might always bring opportunities and challenges related to budget allocations for health. “That’s the reason why we need active, strong voices of religious leaders and communities asking government representatives to invest in the health of their citizens,” she said. “During the Ecumenical Prayer Cycle, the WCC prays for each country, including Bolivia, during the year, and particularly when national elections happen.” The Ecumenical Prayer Cycle See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 356 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland