This program, specifically designed to provide technical assistance to build capacity within the country’s National Aids Programme, is geared towards better responding to and better managing their HIV epidemics, across the six UK OTs. As follow-up to a needs identification visit to the Turks and Caicos Islands by Dr. Adomakoh, the following is an excerpt from the report prepared and submitted: 

“The inception phase for this project has now been completed. This involved a review of documented country information pertaining to the HIV/AIDS situation and response in country and consultation with a wide range of stakeholders in country. Findings suggested that the response in the Turks and Caicos Islands is robust with a strong coordinating unit in the National Aids Prrogramme, and a comprehensive array of prevention, treatment care and support services.

However, as with many of the countries in the region information for planning interventions and monitoring and evaluating outcomes is lacking. This is particularly so in the area of vulnerable groups.

With the highest prevalence in the sub-region, preliminary investigations into the drivers of the epidemic indicate that vulnerable groups may have a significant but, as yet, not fully quantified role to play in the course of the local HIV epidemic. 

With the exception of youth, there is very limited information on the other vulnerable groups. These were identified during the country assessment, as Commercial Sex Workers, (CSWs), drug users, women, men who have sex with men (MSM) and illegal migrants. TCI experiences significant influxes of illegal migrants from Haiti, the most affected country in the region. ANC data indicates that Haitian pregnant women constitute the majority of HIV positive ANC cases.” 

To this end, the first activity, which seeks to develop a proposal for formative research for Behavior Change Communication amongst vulnerable groups in the Turks and Caicos Islands, commenced on Wednesday January 14, 2009. 

The objective of the activity is to develop a proposal for a baseline behavioral research study amongst Most at Risk Persons (MARPs). The information acquired will plan and monitor appropriate strategic interventions aimed at promoting responsible behavior change and mitigating the impact of HIV on MARPs in the TCI. 

 “Taking Action against HIV and AIDS in the UK Overseas Territories” is being conducted in six Caribbean and four South Atlantic UK Overseas Territories (OTs).  The six Caribbean OTs include Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Montserrat and Turks and Caicos Islands. The four South Atlantic OTs are St. Helena, Ascension Island, Tristan da Cunha, and the Falklands. This is a three -year project (Feb 2008- Feb 2011).  

Trainer in Curriculum Development and a consultant for Formative and Summative Research, Mr. Salorne McDonald has been recruited to conduct the development of the proposal in the Turks and Caicos Islands.  Based in Trinidad, Mr. McDonald is the Regional Behaviour Communication Change (BCC) with the Population Services International (PSI).

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