November 15, 2024
In the Caribbean, approximately 5,100 people still die each year from HIV-related causes, according to the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO). In addition, one-third of the HIV cases are identified in advanced stage.
These facts formed critical areas for discussion at the regional workshop: “Uniting Science and Communities to Accelerate HIV Response in the Caribbean,” hosted in Trinidad and Tobago, 4-5 November.
The International AIDS Society (IAS) and the Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP) led the initiative in collaboration with The Global Fund, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and Plataforma LAC.
Director of the PANCAP Coordinating Unit, Dr Wendy Telgt-Emanuelson
A CRITICAL MOMENT IN THE REGION’S HIV RESPONSE
Director of the PANCAP Coordinating Unit, Dr Wendy Telgt-Emanuelson, stated in her opening remarks that the discussions are happening at a critical moment in the Region’s HIV response. “This workshop is especially significant because it speaks to the unique challenges and urgent needs we face in the Caribbean. These topics are not just timely but essential in guiding our efforts to bridge the gap between science, policy, and the experiences of those we serve…together we can continue the regional response that is impactful,” asserted the Director.
PAHO’s Advisor for HIV/STI/TB and Viral Hepatitis, Caribbean Sub-regional Office, Sandra
THE REGION NEEDS TO SCALE UP HIV PREVENTION
PAHO’s Advisor for HIV/STI/TB and Viral Hepatitis, Caribbean Sub-regional Office, Ms Sandra Jones, highlighted that the Caribbean has progressed with HIV prevention and treatment services and innovations in HIV service delivery. However, she noted that the Caribbean did not achieve the 90-90-90 targets and data from the 2024 UANIDS report indicated that the Region is not poised to achieve the 95-95-95 targets in 2025. She underscored that this may affect the ultimate goal of ending AIDs as a public health threat in 2030.
“Despite 40 years of the epidemic, one-third of the HIV cases are identified in advanced stage. The Region needs to scale up HIV prevention with effective linkage into care early through the implementation of the “treat all policy” to reduce late diagnosis while providing different innovations and interventions aimed at reducing HIV mortality, especially for those with advanced HIV,” advocated the PAHO official.
Dr Omar Sued, Advisor, HIV Care and Treatment, PAHO/WHO
DEATHS FROM HIV-RELATED CAUSES ARE PREVENTABLE
“We have the tools to eliminate HIV. There are accessible HIV tests, effective antiretroviral treatments, and robust preventive strategies, including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP),” emphasised Dr Omar Sued, Advisor, HIV Care and Treatment, PAHO/WHO. He referred to the data regarding the number of persons who die each year from HIV-related causes in the Caribbean and underscored that many of these are preventable. “During this meeting, we aim to focus on critical strategies to end HIV as a public health problem. This includes normalising and increasing the volume of HIV testing, reducing stigma and discrimination in the healthcare sector, and expanding the care package for advanced HIV. We believe strategic investments in these targeted interventions can significantly reduce preventable deaths. This is not only the right thing to do – it is also the smart thing,” added the PAHO official.
Ms Heather Rodney, Chair of the NACC and Manager of the Ministry of Labour’s National Workplace Advocacy Unit – Trinidad and Tobago
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO IS COMMITTED TO ENDING AIDS BY 2030
The Government of Trinidad and Tobago remains committed to the sustainability of the National HIV response, says Ms Heather Rodney, Chair of the NACC and Manager of the Ministry of Labour’s National Workplace Advocacy Unit – Trinidad and Tobago. In her remarks, Ms Rodney explained that the Government’s commitment was evidenced by the support for the development of the National Policy on HIV and AIDS in alignment with the global goal to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 and continued investment in the HIV programme.
“The Government continues to leverage strategic collaborations with key stakeholders domestically, regionally and internationally to implement the national HIV response. The National HIV programme has also been working with PAHO to look at advanced disease and explore opportunities to address preventable death,” highlighted Ms Rodney.
The workshop aimed to provide a platform for HIV-related health and social service providers, key community actors, youth, researchers, government representatives and policymakers to brainstorm bridging the gap between evidence-based science, policy and action.
The meeting was pivotal to sustaining the Region’s HIV response and advancing discussions on investing in healthcare infrastructure and creating a more sustainable future where the economic effects of HIV are minimised, allowing the People of the Caribbean Community to lead healthier, more productive lives.
–ENDS –
What is PANCAP?
PANCAP is a Caribbean regional partnership of governments, regional civil society organisations, regional institutions and organisations, bilateral and multilateral agencies and contributing donor partners established on 14 February 2001. PANCAP provides a structured and unified approach to the Caribbean’s response to the HIV epidemic and coordinates the response through the Caribbean Regional Strategic Framework on HIV and AIDS to maximise efficient use of resources and increase impact, mobilise resources and build the capacity of partners.
What are the Global AIDS Strategy 2021–2026 targets and commitments?
If targets and commitments in the strategy are achieved:
- The number of people who newly acquire HIV will decrease from 1.7 million in 2019 to less than 370 000 by 2025
- The number of people dying from AIDS-related illnesses will decrease from 690,000 in 2019 to less than 250,000 in 2025.
- The goal of eliminating new HIV infections among children will see the number of new HIV infections drop from 150,000 in 2019 to less than 22,000 in 2025.
What are the 95-95-95 Targets for ending AIDS?
95% of people who know their status on treatment; and
95% of People Living with HIV know their HIV status;
95% of people on treatment with suppressed viral loads.