Co-operation to tackle AIDS

Caribbean US Chiefs of Missions have reaffirmed that the only way to tackle the pandemic of HIV/AIDS is by regional co-operation and speaking in a co-ordinated voice. They have also expressed optimism that increased resources would be dedicated to the region by the US government.

Severa Ambassadors spoke yesterday at the conclusion of a conference on HIV/AIDS at the Hilton Trinidad. The conference began on Monday. They pointed out that US resources for HIV/AIDS control in the region totalled more than $30 million and were increasing due to President George W Bush’s commitment to fighting global AIDS. They further told reporters at the press conference that a great deal of attention was placed on stigma reduction associated with the virus. US Ambassador to Guyana, Roland Bullen, noted that a recent initiative in his country promoted the call for a lack of discrimination against persons with the virus, via a campaign through mini-bus drivers. The campaign, he said, tells citizens that “Words have power, give respect to get respect, big up people living with HIV/AIDS.” Also generating substantial discussion was education and prevention of the virus.

The US Surinamese Ambassador, Marsha Barnes, said having recently hosted Carifesta, her country was more aware of the need for an early intervention in schools, in terms of providing education to teens and even younger children, to ensure they are aware of  the problems with the virus. She stressed that AIDS had more victims than terrorists. The Ambassadors further agreed that all US agencies continue to work closely in the region to produce  “unified HIV/AIDS support interventions;” that US government activities and interventions should continue to be conducted in close collaboration with Caribbean regional and national strategies and programmes, and US Ambassadors in the region must continue to use their political and social leadership in the reduction of HIV-related stigma and discrimination. The Caribbean region has the highest percentage of HIV-infected persons outside sub-Saharan Africa.