The achievement of universal access to HIV and AIDS prevention, treatment, care and support services by 2010 is the documented preoccupation of policy-makers and practitioners involved in the Caribbean regional response to the epidemic within the enabling environment of the Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS. It is also the legitimate demand of persons living with and affected by HIV and AIDS.

Dr. Hon. Denzil Douglas

This second version of the Caribbean Regional Strategic Framework on HIV and AIDS (CRSF 2008-2012) captures the essence of this commitment and provides the strategic direction and programmatic orientation for national and regional governments and other entities to pursue the inescapable objective of universal access.

By design, the new CRSF embraces all CARICOM Member States as well as Cuba, the Dominican Republic, the British and Dutch Overseas Territories, the French Departments of the Americas, and the United States Territories in the Caribbean, thus emphasising the Pan Caribbean nature of the regional response. Furthermore, this strategic response defines the policies and public goods that will be delivered at the regional level while, at the same time, ensuring the provision of tangible benefits at the national level.

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The priority areas identified for action have emerged out of the experiences gained in the implementation of HIV and AIDS programmes at both national and regional levels during the preceding five years. Building on the foundation that has been laid in the areas of prevention, treatment, care, and support, this new framework emphasises the relentless need to pursue a responsive human rights agenda, mainstreaming all sectors including civil society organisations, capacity development for the delivery of HIV services, and institutionalising, monitoring, evaluation, and research, and in addition a comprehensive information, education, and communication strategy.

The emphasis placed on gender issues and on vulnerable groups is recognition of the changing epidemiological profile of the epidemic in the Caribbean and is highly commendable. So too, is provision for an indicative cost of the elements of the framework which provides a platform for mobilising sustainable funding for HIV and AIDS in the region.

I take this opportunity to extend appreciation to all our partners of this important PANCAP network and in particular our developing partners without whose support we could not be optimistic about the future.

I am delighted to be associated with this seminal work and pledge the commitment of the political hierarchy colleague Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community for the successful implementation of the Caribbean Regional Strategic Framework.

Dr. the Hon. Denzil Douglas

Prime Minister

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Chairman, PANCAP

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