Saint Lucia Committed to Fighting HIV/AIDS

Contact: Rose Marie Harris

Tuesday, November 20, 2001 - The Government of Saint Lucia remains committed to addressing the HIV/AIDS epidemic both within the regional framework and at the national level.   This was one of the clear messages coming out of the First Annual Meeting of the Pan Caribbean Partnership Against HIV/AIDS convened here on November 19.

Speaking during the opening ceremony, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Marcia Philbert-Jules says Saint Lucia will continue to move ahead with the development and implementation of its HIV/AIDS Strategic Plan.

According to Philbert-Jules the model which the Caribbean has adopted in the fight against HIV/AIDS epidemic is commendable.  It involves a regional HIV/AIDS Strategic Plan within which the Caribbean must operate and which must guide the preparation of national strategic plans.

“First of all we must acknowledge that the launching of the Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV/AIDS in February of this year is indeed commendable and a step in the right direction.   I take this opportunity to applaud all those who are responsible for such an initiative,” the Permanent Secretary said.

The health official believes that the Caribbean must address the AIDS epidemic in a holistic manner, getting to the root causes of the problem.   Mrs. Philbert-Jules, called for the promotion and encouragement of behavioural change, not only among young people but adults as well.

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