DIRECTOR General of the OECS Commission Dr.Didicus Jules says the 2020 target of for AIDS related deaths could be pushed out reach as research indicates that co-infections among people living with HIV, such as TB, cervical cancer and hepatitis C are on the rise.
In a statement to mark the International observance of December 1st as World AIDS Day, Jules stressed the importance of prevention among key populations motivated by a focus on human rights and reducing stigma and discrimination.
Observing World AIDS Day under the theme “Hands up for HIV Prevention”, the OECS Director General noted that the enduring legacy of prevention is a driving force in efforts to control the spread of HIV/AIDS.
“It is undoubtedly a critical component of the work of the OECS HIV/TB Elimination Project under the Global Fund Grant (2016-2019). The strategic goal of the HIV/TB Elimination Project is reducing the incidence of HIV infection in accordance with the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets, complemented by efforts to achieve tuberculosis (TB) elimination as part of a comprehensive TB/HIV collaborative strategy,” he noted.