CARICOM Deputy Secretary General optimistic about fight against HIV/AIDS virus

By Mark Murray

Today, Guyana joined other countries in observing World AIDS Days with the message of prevention being echoed as CARICOM’s Deputy Secretary-General remains optimistic about the future effect the virus has on the world’s population.

The world has made huge progress in the fight against AIDS, according to the United Nations. But for some experts that fight to eradicate the disease is far from over.

CARICOM’s Deputy Secretary General, Dr. ManormaSoeknandan said behaviour and attitude changes are needed to fight the disease or else she does not see the world meeting the UN’s goal to get rid of the virus.

The Deputy Secretary General was at the time speaking at a PANCAP event to observe December 1 as world AIDS day under the theme, hands up for HIV prevention.

Assistant Secretary General, Human and Social Development Dr. Douglas Slater is of the view that stigma and blame must stop now. He said now is not the time for blaming but rather remembering the importance of prevention and doing what is necessary.

PANCAP’s Coordinating Unit Director, Dereck Springer said as the Region strives to meet the UN’s 2030 goal more efforts are needed to meet that target.

Meanwhile, Guyana’s National AIDS Programme Secretariat Manager, Dr. Rhonda Moore explained how the support for CARICOM for the National Food Bank continues to change lives. She said as of June this year over 22 thousand hampers were given to persons living with HIV/AIDS.

Several booths were also erected at the CARICOM Secretariat in addition to the message of the day being translated through the performing arts.