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On behalf of the Government of Barbados I would like to warmly welcome all of you to our shores on the occasion the 14th Ordinary Meeting of the Regional Coordinating Mechanism of the Pan-Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP).
Let me begin by reaffirming the unequivocal commitment of the Government of Barbados to the ideals of PANCAP and to the Pan- Caribbean approach to the fight against HIV. Barbados responds fully to the “solemn call” issued by the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community in 2001 for all governments, regional institutions, civil society organizations, private sector, bilateral and multilateral agencies and international development organizations to work together within the framework of a Pan- Caribbean partnership in the fight against HIV and AIDS. PANCAP now has a broad-based membership of 65 partners; a membership profile that exceeds what was originally conceived. I am pleased that PANCAP has spread its reach into all English, Spanish, French and Dutch-speaking countries that comprise the Caribbean archipelago. PANCAP has demonstrated its ability to coordinate a robust regional response, provide leadership in the development of public policies, deliver essential regional public goods and services and mobilize critical technical and financial resources. This constitutes an amazing achievement when you consider the diversity of our cultures and Health systems. The worth of this achievement has not escaped international attention. Indeed, in 2004, PANCAP was acclaimed an international best practice by UNAIDS and the “experiment” has been replicated elsewhere. This achievement should serve as a stimulus for even greater accomplishment in the future. I am also pleased to note that the Caribbean has reported significant strides in controlling the HIV epidemic and mitigating its impact. According to the 2009 AIDS Epidemic Update by UNAIDS, HIV incidence has sharply declined in some countries and the regional rate of new HIV infections has stabilized. The Caribbean region has made significant progress in the area of access to HIV treatment. Again, according to UNAIDS, treatment coverage among persons in need has risen from 10% in 2004 to 51% in 2008, a level higher than the global average of 42% for low and middle-income countries. Also, pediatric antiretroviral coverage in the Caribbean now stands at 55%, somewhat higher than the global average of 38%. Apart from the inherent merit, it is good that this region has been able to do so much with relatively few resources. During this period of fiscal constraint, the gains I outlined MUST at least be conserved. Our greatest creative skills will be needed as Health will be called upon by our Ministers of Finance, to further maximize our efficiency in providing these vital services. Even so, there is room for improvement of the HIV situation in the Caribbean. Young women have infection rates that are significantly higher than males of their own age. In keeping with HIV epidemics that are generalized, overall women now account for approximately 50% of all new HIV infections. The potential effects on families are frighteningly clear. Perhaps the most important lesson that has been learned and applied in the national and regional response to HIV in the Caribbean over the past decade is the importance of developing and executing effective HIV prevention interventions. It should be stated that while treatment, care and support remain important aspects in the response to HIV, reducing the number of new infections is required if we are going to control the epidemics in the region. We must bolster the development and implementation of prevention campaigns targeting those deemed to be most at risk including, men in general, men who have sex with men, drug users, sex workers, migrant populations, prisoners and youth. The well demonstrated political leadership of the Caribbean must continue by complimenting these prevention campaigns with policy reform. In this regard, the role of PANCAP is critical. As a producer of regional public health goods and services, PANCAP must lead the way in developing evidence-based approaches to reaching the most vulnerable amongst us. PANCAP has an obligation to the region to provide such scientific and culturally sensitive approaches to reach the marginalized youth in our societies whose behaviors place them at increased risk for HIV infection. In the same way, PANCAP’s mandate is also to develop appropriate templates that would help to unravel the forces of stigma and discrimination in our societies. This would also have the potential for garnering another international best practice accolade. I can cite many more examples but I believe that the point has been made and understood – PANCAP and the National AIDS programs throughout the region must continue to counter the challenges that remain. This introduces the all important question of how this synergistic working relationship between PANCAP and national authorities should evolve in the new decade. I propose the following concepts for your consideration. First PANCAP must use its access with international partners to ensure that all of the innovation especially within the context of financial constraints reaches the key eyes and ears. The region’s successes are in danger of graduating us from international assistance. Our advantage is in creating and refining new and different model approaches. PANCAP must not let the world forget that uniqueness-Strategic Information Sharing. Secondly, I would like to see a closer nexus between regional and national planning and programming. Put bluntly, I would like to see more regular and active interface between the PANCAP Coordinating Unit, PANCAP Regional Support Partners and National AIDS Programs so that national agendas also serve the regional context – Harmonizing national and regional agendas. Finally, I think that PANCAP must continue to assist countries in bridging the technical assistance gaps that exist. Successive studies have made us fully understand the deficiencies which have been shown to be a major impediment to effective and efficient programme implementation. PANCAP has the capacity to help countries find the key partners and initiatives to address their deficiencies. – Bridging the programmatic divide. I have noted that the central emphasis of this meeting relates to the effective implementation of the Caribbean Regional Strategic Framework and that the various programs and projects being implemented by PANCAP will be reviewed against that background. I am also particularly interested in the arrangements that the Regional Coordinating Mechanism will approve for implementing the new Global Fund Round 9 Grant to PANCAP. I exhort you to remember the three paradigms;
as you perform your analysis and make recommendations. Again, on behalf of the Government of Barbados, specifically the Ministry of Health and the National AIDS Program, I wish you a very successful meeting. I thank you.
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