The National AIDS Programme will be hosting its Second sitting of the National HIV/AIDS Multi-Sectoral Committee on the 7^th July 2011, at the N.J.S Francis Building in Grand Turk, at 9:30 am.

The Multi-Sectoral Committee is an advisory coordinating body responsible for considering the more macro policy issues and strategies on the use of resources regarding HIV/AIDS in the TCI, and to determine a means forward.

A Multi-Sectoral Committee engages all sectors of society at all levels in addressing the causes and impacts of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Sectors include: government, businesses, civil society organisations, communities and people living with HIV/AIDS. 

Such a response requires action to engender political will, leadership and coordination, to develop and sustain new partnerships and ways of working and strengthening the capacity of all sectors to make an effective contribution.

The National AIDS Programme on the 2^nd June 2011 re-established the National HIV/AIDS/STI Multi-Sectoral Committee. To ensure the functioning of the Multi- Sectoral Committee, the National AIDS Programme through the technical support of the Department for International Development (DFID) has hired a consultant who will be identifying additional support that should be provided to allow the committee to work efficiently and effectively.

“Multi-sector collaboration is a key requirement in combating HIV/AIDS transmission. The National AIDS Programme is committed towards the eradication of HIV in the TCI society and the society at large through a strengthened Multi- Sectoral approach”, said Aldora Robinson, Coordinator of the AIDS Department.

Notes to Editors:

The consultant will aim to prepare a draft Terms of Reference and Recommendations on the proposed structure and membership of the Multi-Sectoral Committee.

The Multi-Sectoral Committee is critical to a multi-sectoral approach. Its expressed purposes are to:

-          Articulate the commitment from the highest level of the government on HIV/AIDS prevention and control.

-          To provide leadership to the expanded response initiative.

-          To profile the issues of and related to HIV/AIDS to a wide cross section of the population and society as possible that would attract attention to the issues of HIV/AIDS.

-          To solicit broad support for the National AIDS Programme.

-          To serve as a lobbyist and the advocacy body for HIV/AIDS in the highest circles.

-          To advise on HIV/AIDS policy and review existing related policies to ensure consistency with the strategic vision on HIV/AIDS, consistent with the developmental objectives of the country.

-          To facilitate communication and coordination among government sectors and other organizations involved in the National AIDS Programmes and activities.

-          To facilitate resource mobilization for the National AIDS Programme.