CARICOM DSG affirms support for closing gaps and accelerating progress for HIV prevention and care

"At the CARICOM Secretariat, we recognise that the work you do is at the heart of our Region’s development agenda. Health, equity, and resilience are not just aspirations, they are the foundation of a stronger, more sustainable Caribbean. While the road to achieving our targets may not always be smooth, the CARICOM Secretariat remains steadfast in its support to each of you, to each Member State, and to the communities we serve together."

Dr Armstrong Alexis, Deputy Secretary-General, CARICOM

Acknowledging the widening gap in financing for HIV prevention, service delivery, and care, Dr Armstrong Alexis, Deputy Secretary-General of CARICOM, reiterated CARICOM's commitment to better health outcomes for the people of the Caribbean Community.

During his address at the Ninth Meeting of the National AIDS Programme (NAP) Managers and Key Partners, which is being held in Trinidad and Tobago, he acknowledged the persistent gaps in HIV and AIDS prevention and care, including financing and donor funding, policy implementation and service delivery, which threaten to slow the Region's progress in achieving the 95-95-95 Targets.

"However, our Region has always been defined by resilience. Time and time again, we have found ways to overcome obstacles, whether through innovation, partnership, or sheer determination. The same must apply here. We cannot afford to let setbacks define us; instead, we must use them as fuel to drive ourselves forward. We therefore stand committed to doing whatever it takes to support our countries in closing the gaps and accelerating progress," stated Dr Alexis.

Please read his complete remarks below.

NINTH MEETING OF NATIONAL AIDS PROGRAMME MANAGERS AND KEY PARTNERS

18-19 March 2025

Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

Remarks by Dr Armstrong Alexis, Deputy Secretary General, CARICOM Secretariat

• Honorable Minister of Health, Terrence Deyalsingh,
• Distinguished International Developmental partners,
• Esteemed NAP Managers,
• Our civil society partners
• Colleagues of the CARICOM Secretariat
• Our partners in the media
• Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning.

It is a privilege to join you at this annual meeting to assess our progress, strengthen our strategies, and reaffirm our commitment to achieving the 2030 targets for HIV and AIDS in our Region.

At the CARICOM Secretariat, we recognise that the work you do is at the heart of our Region’s development agenda. Health, equity, and resilience are not just aspirations, they are the foundation of a stronger, more sustainable Caribbean.  While the road to achieving our targets may not always be smooth, the CARICOM Secretariat remains steadfast in its support to each of you, to each Member State, and to the communities we serve together.

We know that challenges persist: gaps in financing, policy implementation, and service delivery can sometimes threaten to slow our progress. However, our Region has always been defined by resilience. Time and time again, we have found ways to overcome obstacles, whether through innovation, partnership, or sheer determination. The same must apply here. We cannot afford to let setbacks define us; instead, we must use them as fuel to drive ourselves forward. We therefore stand committed to doing whatever it takes to support our countries in closing the gaps and accelerating progress. Whether through advocacy for increased resources, technical support, or fostering collaboration among Member States and partners, we will continue to work with all our partners for the benefit of those we have been called upon to serve.  Your success is our success because when our health systems are strong, our people thrive, and our Region prospers.

Ladies and gentlemen, this meeting is an opportunity to focus on solutions, share knowledge, align our efforts, and ensure we are moving toward our shared goals. I urge you to use this time wisely to identify practical ways to close the gaps and reaffirm our collective responsibility to make 2030 a milestone, not a missed opportunity.

On behalf of all of us at CARICOM I thank you for your dedication, for your resilience, and for your unwavering commitment to this mission. Together, we will ensure that no country is left behind and no community is unserved or underserved.

Let us continue this journey with purpose, unity, and with the unshakable determination that defines us as One Caribbean.

I welcome this moment to take stock and fashion the next phase for progress and results.  Today signals our collective commitment to pursue our goal of securing a viable, sustainable and prosperous Committee for all. 

As we deliberate on the matters before us, let us not forget the responsibilities that have been entrusted upon us.  I urge all of us to adopt a citizen-centered posture and deliver for the ordinary man, woman and child of the Caribbean Community. 

Thank you for this opportunity to address you this morning, and I look forward to the deliberations of the coming two days. 

Thank you, and please have a fruitful and purposeful meeting.