Release Type: News Article

TOKYO – The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria welcomes the Japanese Diet’s passage of the fiscal 2019 supplementary budget and the fiscal 2020 budget, which includes Japan’s contribution of US$476.4 million to the Global Fund in 2020. This is its largest annual contribution to the Global Fund, signalling Japan’s strong leadership in global health, at a time when the world is fighting COVID-19.

The latest contribution is part of Japan’s Sixth Replenishment pledge to the Global Fund. In 2019, Japan announced a pledge of US$840 million to the Global Fund’s Sixth replenishment. Suzuki Keisuke Japan’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, who led the Japanese delegation and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment at the replenishment conference in Lyon, France in October 2019 said, “Ending three epidemics by 2030 and bringing about successful transition of implementing countries are responsibility not only of the Global Fund but also of the entire global community. The Global Fund has applied an innovative method of co-financing requirement under the principle of country ownership. This is a key element to sustainability and successful transition and should be strengthened in the coming three years.”

Japan supports a new Global Fund initiative that provides flexibility to countries to use up to 5% of approved grants to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and to ensure continuity of lifesaving programs to fight HIV, TB and malaria. Japan’s leadership in championing Universal Health Coverage foresees a world secure from old as well as emerging pandemics.

“As the world battles the COVID-19 pandemic, it is wonderful to support the Global Fund, which dedicated to helping the vulnerable populations such as people living with HIV, TB and Malaria.” said Honorary Ichiro Aisawa, a member of the House of Representatives in the Diet and Co-Chair of Friends of the Global Fund, Japan Diet Task Force. “Those of us in Japan are pleased that we can contribute to the Global Fund’s effort to fight these diseases while working to strengthen health systems in a way that advances health for all.”

“At this critical time in global health, Japan continues to lead the way in efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage and promote global health security,” said Peter Sands, Executive Director of the Global Fund. “We are tremendously grateful to the people of Japan and to Prime Minister Abe for this unwavering support.”

Japan has been a strong supporter of the Global Fund from the beginning. Japan introduced infectious diseases to the agenda of the G8 Kyushu-Okinawa Summit in 2000, which paved the way for the Global Fund’s establishment in 2002. The country is Global Fund’s fifth-largest contributor. With support from Japan and other partners, the Global Fund partnership has saved more than 32 million lives around the world.

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The coronavirus pandemic has put the business of risk communication front and center. Every day, it seems, we are getting mixed messages from our leaders, messages that differ in their tone and content depending on who is talking.

In a situation full of unknowns, as with the early days of the Ebola outbreak in West Africa five years ago, sometimes communication is all we have. Good communication lets people know what they should do, how they can protect themselves and others and helps them balance their fears with concrete information they can use.

Here are some communication lessons to keep in mind as the coronavirus interrupts life as we know it. So much has already changed, with the closure of schools, restaurants and gyms, many workers being asked to stay away from the office, the cancellation of major life celebrations such as weddings and graduations and directives to keep our distance from one another. What is key is that we focus on how to help one another navigate the way forward.

1. Build trust: People need information from sources with expertise and they need to hear from trusted public health experts at regular intervals. If incorrect information is shared, experts need to correct the record quickly to ensure that trust is maintained. And when too much time passes between communications, people tend to fill the void with inaccurate information from unreliable sources. Be honest about what you know – and don’t know – in a crisis.
2. Have one set of messages: All spokespeople must be on the same page. This is crucial so that people know exactly what to do to reduce the spread of the virus. Otherwise, people make up their own minds about how to behave – which won’t slow the spread of disease.
3. Counter myths and misinformation: Ignoring rumors and hoping that they dissipate on their own is a poor course of action, especially in a crisis. Create a system to dispel myths and correct the record by sharing the clear, accurate messages that experts have agreed on.
4. Promote action: In an unprecedented crisis, some people just don’t know what to do and why to do it. Being anxious right now is completely normal, but we need to balance that with the ability to act to prevent paralysis. Giving them concrete things to do calms anxiety and promotes a restored sense of control. We’ve already seen some people change social norms, such as avoiding hugs and handshakes upon greeting. Our trusted leaders need to role model this behavior and talk about what else people can do to protect themselves such as vigorous handwashing, avoiding public events and settings and keeping your distance from others, especially older people who are particularly at risk for complications.
5. Be empathetic: We are all in this together and we need communication that reflects this. The unknowns are scary, but helping people understand that they need to take action for the greater good can help foster community.

For more information on the coronavirus:

Compass

CDC

WHO

As I reflect on Dereck Anthony Springer, professional, colleague and former manager, this saying vividly comes to mind:

“Inspiration is sometimes needed to explain what cannot be explained”.

Stigma and discrimination in any form is inexplicable and Dereck’s fight to end it is nothing less than inspiring.

Dereck excited. Dereck stimulated. Dereck inspired. These are merely selected snapshots of his attributes.    I say a snapshot for I am unqualified to provide more, given the rich tapestry that is woven into Dereck Anthony Springer. But even if I were to try, I would not be able to capture more within the stipulated parameters of this medium.

So how and why did he stimulate and how did he excite? A peek at his character traits provides an understanding. Dereck is an Administrator par excellence who poured himself into establishing effective systems for dealing with the regional response to the HIV and AIDS epidemic.

When he took over as Director, he was undaunted by the state of play with respect to the uncertainty of the necessary resources to effectively sustain the response. His resoluteness, combined with his decisiveness, meticulousness, creativity and discipline, are his awesome traits. Passionate about the Partnership’s mission, he was scrupulous and unyielding in meeting deadlines. The intensity and honesty of the consultations with partners and the respect he demonstrated for their views, contributed in no small measure to the consolidation of the partnership in which all stakeholders had a voice in decision making. This was the essence by which he forged the bonds through agreements on the Caribbean Regional Strategic Frameworks, relentless endeavours at resource mobilisation and his passion to place the elimination of stigma and discrimination at the centre of PANCAP’s mission.

Dereck was self-assured and selfless. He undertook to complete whatever was started. In this regard, I recall vividly his work on the stigma and discrimination project proposal, which eventually resulted in the award of funding used for the Justice for All Programme. I remember also his faithfulness to continue the outreach to People Living with HIV and AIDS, through the provision of food and other items to the Food Bank of the National AIDS programme in Guyana and in the latter years, sometimes carrying a significant proportion of the cost of doing so.

His selfless service made him an exemplar among his peers and a person worthy of emulation. His was an undiluted commitment to achieving excellence.  Dedication to work, family, friends and colleagues is a part of who he is.  Never forgetting important occasions such as Valentine’s Day, Christmas and Mother’s Day. People matter to Dereck.

I could think of no fitting way to end this tribute to Dereck but by referring to the late Dr Myles Munroe’s statement in his book,  Purpose and Power of Authority: “True authority is not about having total control by “lording” it over others but about using the gifts you have been given to serve others”.

Dereck has and continues to use his gifts to serve. In the process, he has stimulated. He has inspired, and we who have had the privilege to know him are fortunate.  I salute you Dereck!  A great new chapter!  

I have known Dereck for more than 25 years. We worked together at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) in the early 1990s and then with the Guyana HIV response. In 2016, I joined PANCAP and was privileged to see Dereck in action as he led the Regional response. All that has been said about his leadership attributes is spot on – he is organised, results-driven, strategic, has an eye for detail, builds relationships, nurtured the Partnership and the list of accolades goes on.  However, I am convinced that Dereck’s success in leadership is founded on his deep sense of humanity i.e. the need to reduce the suffering of the less fortunate, making every effort to leave no one behind and ensuring that there is equity in HIV and health care services in the Caribbean.

Dereck’s people-centred approach to leadership, his genuineness in leading from the heart and his empathetic leadership, have made a significant impact on the lives of many people as he worked for an AIDS-Free Caribbean. Confucius, the great Chinese philosopher, said that “to become a leader, you must first become a human being.” Dereck is indeed a great human being and a great leader!

He served People Living with HIV, mentored and nurtured many young persons in the Region, and relentlessly pursued better lives for the vulnerable. He has changed lives in the most meaningful and impactful way. Dereck often shares that, “as Director of PANCAP, you have to live this work every moment, every hour, every day.” He served well.  He was consultative and inclusive, through his transparent and accountable approach. He instilled trust and confidence in the Partnership and he owned and communicated, at every opportunity, his vision for an AIDS-free Caribbean. Mahatma Ghandi said, “the best way to find yourself, is to lose yourself in service to others.” Dereck lost and found himself in service to others. He served!

I thank Dereck for his service to the people of the Region. I thank Dereck for leaving the Partnership stronger than ever, more relevant than ever and more poised than ever to end AIDS in the Caribbean.  In honouring his legacy, it is imperative that we continue to serve our Caribbean people with the same level of distinction as Dereck.

Best wishes, Dereck, as you embark on this new and exciting chapter!

From my first engagement with Dereck after he was appointed Director in September 2013, I instinctively knew that he was someone special. My continuous association with him over the period of his tenure has proven that original instinct was ‘spot on’.

It is fitting that the theme of this tribute, “A man of the time for the time” has been organised by his adoring PANCAP staff.  It is an apt description of Dereck. It echoes the sentiments of the entire Partnership that he is the creative leader, the fearless advocate for change and the stickler for “on time” action and “on time” deliverables. He is a man filled with passion to succeed, to champion the cause of the marginalized groups, to inspire the youth, to consolidate a Partnership of diverse communities around the theme, “Justice for All”.

I am aware of his strength of character, his ever willingness to confront the status quo, never backing down from the mission, “not leaving anyone behind”. But his passionate and resolute advocacy were always accompanied by thorough preparation, commitment to facts, impeccable logic and persuasive articulation.

Dereck recognises that if the Caribbean were to achieve the goal of ending AIDS by 2030, attention must be paid to affirming access to those most affected, most prominent among them, the LGBTQ population. It still is not a popular stand among important quarters of our Caribbean Community but it is the correct one. And in this regard as in so many other instances, Dereck has stood his ground. In so doing, he brought on board the parliamentarians, the faith leaders, the National AIDS Programme Managers, Civil society and youth to the table. This is a true example of functional cooperation that facilitates a “more community for all”.

Dereck, a thinker outside the box is highly regarded by Heads of Government, Ministers of Government, the Private sector, civil society, other regional and international partners. He has represented PANCAP and the Region with distinction and deserves every accolade. Let us not lose the talents of this gifted and remarkable human being. What about the title PANCAP Director Emeritus!

In this news bulletin from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, PANCAP members and partners are asked to note the 2020-2022 fund allocations for the Region.  For more information on the Global Fund’s allocation, click here.

To combat the lack of knowledge about human rights, HIV and gender-based violence among Jamaicans, the National Family Planning Board and its partners executed the “Rispek” Public Education Tour. The tour aimed to provide information on sexual and reproductive health, including HIV, to promote human rights and respect for others, and provide education on the social and legal aid services available to the public.

The tour was launched in August 2019 and consisted of eight phases.  Communities within eight of the fourteen parishes in Jamaica benefited from the activities. These communities were selected for Targeted Community Interventions (TCIs) by the Regional Health Authorities, based on vulnerability and incidences of violence and HIV. Community members were also able to access free HIV testing and other healthcare services.

By Victoria Nibarger, PEPFAR Coordinator, Caribbean Regional Programme

During the week of 27 January 2019, the Caribbean Regional Program of the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) kicked off its 2020 Regional Operational Planning process, which covers the FY21 implementation period.

Following two days of internal meetings, PEFPAR hosted a number of regional stakeholders in Kingston for a three-day strategic planning meeting.  Participants of the meeting reviewed FY20 achievements, current activities, and discussed the approaches needed to accelerate progress towards epidemic control.

Attendees included ministry of health officials, civil society representatives, private clinicians, multilateral organisation representatives, implementing partners, and others.

At the OECS Ministers Policy Meeting held in December 2019, the Caribbean Med Labs Foundation (CMLF) highlighted the achievements made by OECS Member States with respect to their laboratory services. During the meeting, Honourable Mary Issacs, Minister of Health and Wellness, Saint Lucia presented a Certificate to Antigua & Barbuda’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Rhonda Sealey-Thomas, recognising the achievement of Mount St. John’s Medical Centre (MSJMC) Laboratory in meeting Tier 1 requirements of the Caribbean Laboratory Quality Management Systems – Stepwise Improvement Process (LQMS-SIP) in August 2019.

Also recognised were Grenada and Saint Lucia for efforts regarding the National Laboratory Policy adoption.  Both countries have approved policies. Draft legislation and National Laboratory Policy have been submitted to the Attorney General’s Office by the respective Ministries of Health in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Saint Kitts and Nevis. At a meeting of Permanent Secretaries, Chief Medical Officers and their representatives, hosted by CMLF in November 2019, a “common implementation plan” was developed for the adoption and implementation of national laboratory policies and legislation within the six OECS Member States that are participants in the OECS Global Fund Continuation Grant for HIV and TB Elimination (HTEP).

Under the HTEP, four OECS Member States, namely Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines have received and introduced, with appropriate training, GeneXpert technology for molecular testing. The public laboratories in these countries have begun to utilise GeneXpert for Mycobacterium Tuberculosis (MTB) and drug resistance testing as well as for HIV Viral Load testing. GeneXpert testing has been integrated into the algorithm for TB diagnosis in these countries as part of their plans for TB Elimination. Plans are underway for expansion of testing to include Chlamydia and Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) for HIV.

Dominica and Saint Kitts and Nevis will receive GeneXpert technology and training early in 2020 under this GF HTEP. The introduction of this technology within the OECS represents a significant step forward for these small island states, in providing capacity to conduct molecular testing on this multiplex platform for a wide and expanding variety of infectious diseases.

In an important step forward, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has become the first OECS country to assign a separate budget to its public laboratory services. Discussions at both Ministers and National Lab Policy and Legislation Implementation meetings focused on strategies for addressing the ongoing challenge of financial and human resource deficiencies in these countries to improve resources for laboratory services.

Image: Mr Enrique Romero, Executive Director of the National AIDS Commission (NAC) during the Equal Opportunity Bill press conference

Belize’s Anti-Discrimination Steering Committee (ASC) has commenced public engagement and education on the proposed Equal Opportunity Bill (EOB).

The Bill intends to improve the lives of all Belizeans by ensuring equal access to public services, including health care.  The legislation aims to remove barriers so that all Belizeans can enjoy the same opportunities regardless of circumstances. It seeks to protect Belizeans from discrimination, harassment and victimisation. The areas of public life covered under the Bill include employment (full-time, part-time and casual), provision of goods and services, education, accommodation (including rental and hotel accommodation), sport, club and club membership, transfer of land and administration of laws and programming.

HIV Prevention and Care

The EOB makes specific reference to HIV prevention and care.  It prohibits screening for HIV regarding employment and education.  It promotes the implementation of sanctions for breaches of confidentiality regarding HIV status.  The legislation also advocates for allowing persons over the age of 16 to access HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STI) prevention, testing and treatment to lower risks of HIV transmission, sickness or death.

In addition, the EOB supports the formation of an Equal Opportunities Tribunal; a specialist court integrated into the Justice System with the rank of a supreme court.

Champions of the Bill

The organisations championing the EOB are the National AIDS Commission (NAC), the Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation, Poverty Alleviation and the Office of the Special Envoy for Women and Children.  Several prominent Belizeans and implementers are also lending their voices to advocate for the Bill including Mrs Kim Simplis Barrow, Special Envoy for Women and Children and Spouse of the Prime Minister, Mr Enrique Romero, Executive Director of the NAC, Attorney Randall Sheppard, Senior Crown Counsel in the Ministry of the Attorney General, and Attorney Rashad Brathwaite, independent consultant and legal drafter.

The ASC has engaged with several critical stakeholders to foster knowledge about the EOB including the National Evangelical Association of Belize (NEAB), National Trade Union Council of Belize (NTUCB), Christian Workers’ Union (CWU), etc.

In addition, a press conference was held to provide an overview of the Bill, including a background of how the legislation originated and how it will provide protection for all Belizeans.

The Bill will significantly enhance the quality of life in Belize by removing the systemic barriers to equality and empowering Belizeans to fulfil their potential and live happy, healthy and peaceful lives.

 – ENDS –