December 1st is World AIDS Day, and the Ministry of Health has reaffirmed its commitment to ending AIDS as a public health threat in Trinidad and Tobago.
The Ministry is also calling on citizens, stakeholders, and community leaders to work together to create a stigma-free society where everyone can access care with dignity and respect, all with the aim of ending AIDS by 2030.
A media release issued by the Ministry highlighted this country’s progress towards that goal, noting that most people living with HIV are receiving antiretroviral therapy, with a high proportion achieving viral suppression.
Additionally, a strengthened national HIV response over the past year has prioritised early diagnosis, treatment services, and prevention initiatives through public education campaigns and workplace programmes. The implementation of the ‘Linkage to Care Team’ also supported the introduction of HIV self-testing, allowing individuals to test at home.
In 2026, the Ministry plans to focus on expanding community-based testing, ensuring the prompt initiation of treatment, targeted interventions for vulnerable groups, and strengthened collaboration with civil society.
This year’s theme is “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response.”