Members of the Project Advisory Group for the EC-CARICOM Project on HIV/AIDS/STI met at the CARICOM Secretariat Headquarters in Georgetown on Thursday 24 May 2001. The main focus of the meeting was to agree on a programme of activities and strategies for synergy among the five implementing agencies of the Project: CAREC, CHRC, CRN+, UNAIDS and UWI. This Project is sponsored by the EU in the sum of approximately US$6m, with a view to strengthening the capacity of the regional institutions to combat HIV/AIDS/STI.

In his opening remarks to the delegates, Mr. Edwin Carrington, Secretary-General stressed the need to scale up the Region's response to HIV/AIDS, which is already having a serious effect on the population and economies of many countries. The Secretary-General said "This CARICOM -EC project is a demonstration of the essential nature of a multi-sectoral approach to AIDS and augurs well in an era that signifies that collectively, the Caribbean is fighting back".

Mr. Vincent De Visscher, Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Commission in Guyana and Suriname outlined the objectives of the Project :"To foster political support for a multi-sectoral response to the epidemic and to gain support for the regional strategic plan prepared under CARICOM's leadership".

Among the priorities identified were monitoring and evaluation in the process of integrated strategic planning; advocacy to increase the commitment of political leaders, private sector, NGO and community groups; improving skills of professionals; and the development of a more efficient means of communication amongst the Project partners and with other stakeholders throughout the region.

The partners discussed strategies for efficient and effective use of resources; collaboration in pursuit of five project outcomes; and a calendar of events for the immediate post start-up phase of the project. CAREC will organise a series of workshops for national AIDS managers, epidemiologists and the media. Special attention will be given to the needs of PLWA. In this regard CRN+ will be concentrating on a needs assessment survey; the appropriate responses to these findings and expansion of their network throughout the Region. UWI places priority on collaboration with other Universities in training; curriculum development and outreach activity to the wider community; while CHRC will be the focal point for sponsoring,monitoring and evaluating essential research on HIV/AIDS.

The PIU (Project Implementation Unit) has been established within the Directorate of Human & Social Development of the Caribbean Community Secretariat, staffed by a Project Manager, Administrator/Accountant and Administrative Assistant; it has responsibility for coordinating the project's activities.

PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION UNIT
57 High Street, Kingston, Georgetown
Tel: 223-9016 Fax: 223-9012
24 May, 2001