Over 300 living with HIV/AIDS

The number of people reported to be living with HIV/AIDS within the Federation has passed the 300 mark.

"Cabinet noted the rate of HIV/AIDS prevalence in the Federation of 1.1 per cent as assessed by the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC), which translates to about 340 persons living with HIV and AIDS.

“The government, in today's meeting, resolved to work even more fervently to combat and arrest the epidemic of HIV/AIDS and recognises the continuing need for a multi-sectoral approach with strong partnerships involving local, regional and international partners," Minister of Information Nigel Carty disclosed as he presented the post-Cabinet statement on Monday night.
The issue of HIV/AIDS dominated Cabinet's attention during its weekly meeting on Monday.

"On the matter of health, Cabinet received an update on the Caricom Pan-Caribbean Action Plan for HIV and AIDS action plan (PANCAP). PANCAP was established in February 2001 by the Caricom heads of state and it aims to scale up the response to HIV/AIDS in the region.

“In the update, matters of law, ethics and human rights relating to HIV and AIDS and persons affected by the epidemic were discussed in fair detail. The update comes as phase three of the PANCAP national assessment exercise on HIV/AIDS in the Federation," Carty said.

He added, "In phase four, recommendations for legal and policy reforms will be made to the government in a draft report, after which the National AIDS Secretariat will receive a final report in phase five. The final report to be submitted by 10 Aug., 2007 will guide the evolution of the national response to HIV/AIDS in the Federation."

source:sunstkitts.com