WCC News: WCC sees fruits of HIV treatment work in Bolivia

In Bolivia, the World Council of Churches (WCC) has worked in partnership with the National Forum of People Living with HIV as the forum elaborated its strategic plan and policy change plan in view of a new government in Bolivia. National Forum of People Living with HIV In Bolivia. Photo: WCC 17 November 2025 The WCC has accompanied the community in their advocacy for access to medications consistently since 2022. “Bolivia had problems purchasing the medications because the financial crisis means there are no dollars in Bolivia, and the medications for HIV are bought internationally,” explained Gracia Violeta Ross, WCC programme executive for HIV, Reproductive Health, and Pandemics.  The Global Fund principal recipient in Bolivia, the United Nations Development Program, and community leaders put a proposal for the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) program for an emergency supply of medications for HIV, until a delayed purchase arrived.  The US government then came to Bolivia and announced the arrival of medications and diagnostics valued at USD 700,000 for HIV. The delivery marks the reestablishment of diplomatic relations after 17 years of distance. “What role did WCC have in this?” asked Ross. “We have supported the leadership of people living with HIV, with a more focused approach on sustainability since 2024, and before, with trainings on resource mobilization and budget advocacy.” The WCC has also consistently provided strategic and political advice.  "Advocacy is like this; the results of the work might come immediately or later, when it happens as being part of a committee or drafting group,” explained Ross. “The fact that US government decided to continue this PEPFAR activity after major changes in their program and with Bolivia, my country, which had strained relationships with the US, missing an ambassador for a long time, makes it truly remarkable,” said Ross.  She added: “When medications are missing or budgets are not allocated, we have to demand. But when good things happen, we have to be thankful. I thank the US government for this help which will sustain life of people living with HIV in Bolivia.” After calls for justice and accountability, Ross and others expressed appreciation for PEPFAR’s support in Bolivia.  “I think it is really God-inspired and God-planned,” she said. 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