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 at an 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.
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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, 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.
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.
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“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.
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.
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.
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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.
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