(CARICOM): Director of the Coordinating Unit for the Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP), Dr Wendy Telgt-Emanuelson, has emphasised that innovative approaches are essential to achieving the goal of ending AIDS by 2030. She made this statement ahead of the Tenth Meeting of the National AIDS Programme Managers and Key Partners, scheduled for 17–20 March in Trinidad and Tobago.
Dr Telgt-Emanuelson explained that the purpose of the meeting is to build consensus on strategies within the Caribbean Regional Strategic Framework (CRSF) 2026–2030 (final draft) that will advance the Region toward eliminating AIDS. She noted that this will require continued alignment, integration, and the application of innovative approaches to ensure national, regional, and international targets are met.
“We must strengthen a coordinated, equitable, and sustainable Caribbean HIV response, one that is aligned with the CRSF 2026–2030, and driven by regional priorities, community-centred approaches, and evidence-informed policy and programme actions,” stated the Director.
She further underscored that the meeting is expected to result in enhanced awareness, shared understanding, and stakeholder ownership of the CRSF, including its strategic priorities, implementation expectations, and relevance to national and community HIV programming.
The meeting will convene a diverse group of stakeholders whose roles are central to shaping and sustaining the Caribbean’s HIV response. Participants will include national-level leaders such as National AIDS Programme Managers, Chief Medical Officers, and Permanent Secretaries from ministries of Health and other relevant sectors, including Finance, Planning, and Community Development. Their involvement will ensure strong policy alignment and cross-sectoral coordination.
Civil society organisations and community-based networks, particularly those representing key populations and People Living with HIV, will contribute lived experiences, advocacy perspectives, and community-driven achievements. Their voices will be critical in ensuring that the regional HIV response remains grounded in the realities of those most affected.
Key regional and international partners will also participate, including the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), El Centro de Orientación e Investigación Integral (COIN), the Caribbean Vulnerable Communities (CVC) Coalition, The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM), the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), and The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). The CARICOM Secretariat and the PANCAP Coordinating Unit will play central roles in facilitating discussions.
