The National AIDS Program being cognizant of this, collaborated with The Pan American Health Organization and the Caribbean Epidemiology Center to engage the assistance of a consultant to visit the Turks and Caicos Islands in an effort to assist with building the capacity and strengthening of the support system, as an integral part of expanded approach to addressing the HIV/AIDS situation here.
During the week May 1 - 6, 2006, Ms. Yolanda Simon, Chief Executive Officer of the Caribbean Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS (CRN+), which is based in Trinidad, visited The Turks and Caicos Islands, while here Ms Simon met with members of Faith Based Organizations, Support Committees, Buddy System, Rapport, Peer Educators and Persons for Positive Action (PPA+), in the various islands. Ms Simon also paid a courtesy call on the officials in the Ministry of Health.
In the discussions held with persons, who attended the meetings and who in one way or another, make contributions to realizing the goal of halting the spread of HIV, here in the Turks and Caicos; Ms Simon cautioned that the kind of language utilized should create an environment, which will be supportive of persons infected with and affected by HIV.
The highlight of Ms. Simon's visit was a one- day capacity building workshop, held on Friday May 5, 2006 for the support group Persons for Positive Action. The workshop attracted over 12 persons, who represented the various islands.
The objectives of the workshop were to:
- Build the capacity of the membership of the support group to ensure its sustainability.
- Explore linkages with the regional network CRN+
- Establish a national body of Persons for Positive Action (PPA+)
A member of the PPA+ group in outlining the group's objectives stated that the group was "fairly young" having only started some six months ago; he however, challenged members of the group to become more involved in educational activities, which would promote the prevention of HIV by utilizing the media and by sharing experiences with various groups.
The National AIDS Program presented the role of the National AIDS Program in treatment, care and support. The presentation highlighted the availability of antiretroviral therapy which is accessed free of cost to persons, who are on the treatment program.
The presentation also identified the various support mechanisms and training programs made available and supported by the Program in collaboration with other agencies regionally and internationally, from which persons infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS have also benefited directly and/ or indirectly.
Ms. Simon delivered a presentation on the role of CRN+ in supporting local networks of Persons living with HIV/AIDS; in her presentation she encouraged the participants to adopt a more assertive rather than passive approach in dealing with the disease. Participants were also encouraged to seize the opportunity given to them by the availability of anti retroviral therapy, which contributes to an extended life span and the opportunity to enjoy a better quality of life by being gainfully employed.
Following a group exercise, which had the participants examine the strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats of the existing group, members made an open commitment to be an integral part of a process, which will give them a voice and more inclusion in managing the HIV/AIDS epidemic. As a result a seven-member team volunteered to form a National Support group of Persons for Positive Action. (PPA+).
A meeting to discuss the structure and guidelines for the operation of the National Support group is slated for June 3, 2006.
Keziah Richards- Nash
Asst. Coordinator/ Program Officer |
