During the month of May 2006, Ms Yolanda Simon, Chief Executive Officer of the Caribbean Regional Network for PLWHA (CRN+) based in Trinidad and Tobago visited the Turks & Caicos Islands and further strengthened the group.
As a result, a National Executive Body was launched, which comprises members from Grand Turk, Providenciales, South Caicos and Salt Cay and a constitution was completed.
Presently, the group represents 48% of persons living with HIV/AIDS in the Turks & Caicos Islands.
In pursuit of its vision, The TCIPPA+ is strongly committed to improving the quality of life for all Turks & Caicos Islanders living with HIV/AIDS, irrespective of color, race, creed, religion and class and in accordance with it’s mission the TCIPPA+ is mandated to empower and support persons infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS through education, care and the treatment program offered by the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands
The overall goal of the group is to offer emotional and financial assistance to persons infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS and to sensitize the general public, in an effort to prevent the spread of the HIV and to eliminate stigma and discrimination.
Since its inception, members of the group have been actively involved with the following training and meetings.
Ø Three members have been trained as Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) providers;
Ø Several group members attended a workship called "All aobut HIV/AIDS" which included current information on medication and treatment;
Ø The President attended a workshop on the medical management of HIV/AIDS and addressed the launch of the “OUCH” Campaign against Stigma and Discrimination.
Ø Four members of the group attended the annual general meeting and capacity building workshop of the Caribbean Regional Network+ (CRN+) in Trinidad, from 3-6 October 2006.
Ø The group has also been actively involved with promotional work to mark World AIDS Day.
The following are the future plans of TCIPPA+:
Ø Undertake a membership drive aimed at recruiting more persons to participate actively in the organization.
Ø Conduct sensitization sessions on leadership skills and the roles and responsibilities for members who hold specific executive positions, in an effort to build, improve and strengthen the structure of the executive and by extension the local network.
Ø Work closely with the regional network CRN+, to encourage organization strengthening.
Ø Acquire financial support through membership fees, fund raising events and local and overseas donations.
More information can be obtained through the TCIPPA+ handout.
The TCIPPA+ is an affiliation of the National AIDS Program and can be contacted at Tel Nos. 946-1675 or 941- 4984
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