Dr. Omar Edwards, left, Medical Officer of Health in charge of the polyclinic at the David Thompson Health and Social Services Centre, escorts Director of the Pan America Health Organisation (PAHO), Dr. Carissa Etienne through the facility yesterday afternoon.
The Americas region is endeavouring to be the first to eliminate mother to child transmission of HIV/AIDS and Barbados is playing its part in that regard, as well as ensuring that all persons with HIV have access to treatment.
Speaking during a press conference held at the David Thompson Health and Social Services Complex yesterday, Director of the Pan America Health Organisation (PAHO),
Dr. Carissa Etienne who is on an official visit to Barbados, said the Americas has had many firsts, including being the first to eliminate small pox, polio, rubella, congenital rubella syndrome and measles, and she said the region is well on its way to achieving the elimination of mother to child transmission of HIV/AIDS.
“But there is a bigger elimination agenda, the elimination of HIV and STIs [sexually transmitted infections]. We think that it is possible to eliminate HIV and I don’t know if the Barbados population knows, but this Government has made a decision to treat all, so all persons suffering with HIV and AIDS will receive treatment that will ensure that they can live longer and more fulfilled lives,” she said.
Adding to Dr. Etienne’s remarks, Minister of Health, John Boyce confirmed the Government’s commitment to HIV patients, indicating that the “treat all policy” is already in effect and financing has been allocated for it. This money, he said, is in addition to the budget already set aside to combat HIV in this country.
“What we are working out is obviously what changes in terms of budgets etc that may be required in terms of the acquisition of drugs. The Government is committed in terms of its allocation during the Estimates for that increase,” he said.
Minister Boyce added, “However, through the PEPFAR programme [The United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief], which is the direct United States Government assistance programme, we are discussing opportunities for assistance to even further increase the level of penetration that we can make in terms of that treatment.”
The health minister said that around $600 000 has been provided for in the current Estimates and the discussions with PEPFAR surround accessing in the region of another $500 000 to help provide the required medicines and make the policy a success.
(JRT)
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