Trinidad and Tobago’s HIV response received a significant boost as the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) donated testing and treatment supplies to support patients with Advanced HIV disease valued at over TT$278,000 (approximately US$41,000) to the Ministry of Health.
The donation, presented by PAHO/WHO Representative for Trinidad and Tobago and the Dutch Caribbean Islands, Dr. Gabriel Vivas Francesconi to the Minister of Health Dr. Lackram Bodoe, will support improved diagnosis and treatment for people living with advanced HIV.
The supplies, provided under the Unitaid-funded Advanced HIV Disease (AHD) Project, which is administered by PAHO, will strengthen the health system’s capacity to detect and manage serious infections such as tuberculosis and cryptococcal meningitis, conditions that continue to significantly affect persons with advanced HIV.
Dr. Vivas Francesconi emphasised the importance of early diagnosis and timely treatment in improving outcomes, while Minister Bodoe welcomed the support and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to achieving HIV goals.
The initiative also encourages countries to incorporate these supplies into routine health systems to ensure continued access at affordable costs.
The handover aligns with PAHO’s Elimination Initiative, which aims to end HIV as a public health issue by 2030. By strengthening diagnosis and treatment for advanced HIV, Trinidad and Tobago continues to move closer to that goal.
PAHO/WHO remains dedicated to working with national authorities to expand access to quality care and improve health outcomes for all.
