HAVANA, Nov 27 (NNN-PRENSA LATINA) -United Nations experts have praised Cuba's work to prevent and fight HIV/AIDS.

This includes its initiatives, strategies and the development of programmes to reduce the impact of the disease.

Ana Maria Navarro, UNAIDS representative for Cuba and the Dominican Republic, noted that the island is an example in the region due to its low infection rate.

This is thanks to the projects, actions, studies carried out by all those involved in this work, she added.

During the opening of the Latin American and Caribbean AIDSCULT Workshop "Prevention of HIV/AIDS from a Socio Cultural Perspective" in Havana the expert also pointed out the value of culture and its contribution for the prevention of the disease.

For his part, Roberto Galvez, United Nations representative in Cuba highlighted the work of the Cuban government and health authorities from the outbreak of the epidemic in the 1980's.

He praised the national strategic "ITS-VIH-SIDA" Plan based on four basic concepts: epidemiological vigilance, education for health, medical attention and research.

Herman Van Hoof, director of the regional office of the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) underlined the importance of the workshop underway with the participation of specialists, officials, researchers, journalists and communicators.

He added that it is also aimed at discussing strategies and experiences which can serve as models of good practice, convey recommendations, set up alliances and movilise resources to confront the pandemic.

The meeting has an intense work agenda that includes master conferences, debates, training for journalists, among others. -- NNN-PRENSA LATINA