The Grant was approved for a project titled, “Fighting HIV and AIDS in the Caribbean: A Strategic Approach.”
The CARICOM Secretariat is expected to be the Principal Recipient of the Grant and the regional body will assume responsibility for the effective coordination, technical oversight and financial management.
The latest development so on the Grant were shared during the recent Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Caucus of Health Ministers, at their Nineteenth Meeting in Washington DC, on Saturday 25th September.
The meeting which was attended by the Health Minister for St. Kitts & Nevis, Ms. Marcella Liburd, reviewed a number of issues on the region’s health agenda, including the implementation of the Caribbean Public Health Agency.
The Caucus also provided further guidance to help advance the implementation of the project to fight HIV and AIDS. The project is due to commence in January 2011.
During the meeting, the region’s health ministers were also expected to consider the report on a proposed Caribbean Pharmaceutical Policy. In considering the new policy, the Caucus tried to establish a mechanism for the oversight structure for the policy’s implementation and a sustainable financing framework.
While in Washington Minister Liburd was also scheduled to attend the 50th Directing Council of PAHO scheduled from 27th September to 1st October, 2010.
Minister Liburd is using the meeting to highlight key issues related to human development, health-care, family and societal well-being. A call is expected to be made by Ms. Liburd for renewed effort and investment to deal with the priority health concerns of the federation, especially those affecting families, the youth and communities.