A Critical Moment in the Region’s HIV Response

The Caribbean region is still grappling with the HIV epidemic, with approximately 5,100 people dying each year from HIV-related causes, according to the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO). Additionally, one-third of HIV cases are identified at an advanced stage, highlighting the need for urgent action.

Uniting Science and Communities to Accelerate HIV Response

The regional workshop “Uniting Science and Communities to Accelerate HIV Response in the Caribbean” was hosted in Trinidad and Tobago from 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.

A Critical Moment in the Region’s HIV Response

Director of the PANCAP Coordinating Unit, Dr Wendy Telgt-Emanuelson, emphasized that the discussions are happening at a critical moment in the Region’s HIV response. She noted that the workshop is especially significant because it speaks to the unique challenges and urgent needs the Caribbean faces.

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.

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),” emphasized 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.

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. 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.

Conclusion

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.

FAQs

Q: What is the current situation regarding HIV in the Caribbean?
A: Approximately 5,100 people still die each year from HIV-related causes, and one-third of HIV cases are identified at an advanced stage.

Q: What is the goal of the workshop?
A: 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.

Q: What is the commitment of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago?
A: The Government remains committed to the sustainability of the National HIV response and has supported 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.