As this country joins the rest of the world in celebrating World Aids today Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh said T&T is well on its way to meeting the target by 2020.
According to UNAIDS stipulations within the next two years 90 per cent of all people living with HIV will know their HIV status, 90 per cent of all people with diagnosed HIV infection will receive sustained antiretroviral therapy and 90 per cent of all people receiving antiretroviral therapy will have viral suppression.
The theme for World Aids Day is Increasing Impact through Transparency, Accountability, and Partnerships.
Some 11,000 people are known to be living with HIV in T&T.
Deyalsingh, speaking at the launch of the Treat All programme held in collaboration with the US Embassy and Ministry of Health held at the Medical Research Centre, Queen’s Park East, Port- of- Spain yesterday, said the centre was able to reconnect with some 600 people within the last months to conduct follow-up treatment and analysis.
He said this was only possible through accessing the US’s President’s Emergency Plan For AidsRelief (PEPFAR) which was not utilised by the previous administration.
The fund, which amounted to TT$1.5 million, was channelled through the centre for a host of initiatives including extending the clinic hours and having antiretroviral drugs available.
Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy John McIntyre, who also spoke, applauded the centre for its work which would be used as a catalyst for improving other treatment facilities throughout the country.
“The fight against HIV and Aids is an integral part of our mission here and in our work with governments around the world,” McIntyre said.
Saying that the centre has also been working in collaboration with the US Centers for Disease Control to expand the provision of life-saving medication to all McIntyre said the “Treat All” programme was a significant step in stemming the HIV epidemic in this country.
“Recent clinical trials confirm the ‘Treat All’ approach keeps patients alive, healthier, and reduces the risk of transmitting the HIV virus to partners.