Media Releases – Page 22

PAHO provides guidance on improving the health of migrants in countries of the Americas

Washington, D.C., 26 April 2019 (PAHO/WHO) –The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has published a guidance document on migration and health that suggests five areas of action countries should take to improve the health of migrants and the populations that receive them.

The five areas of action are: strengthening surveillance, information management and monitoring; improving access to health services for the migrant and host populations; improving communication and information exchange to counter xenophobia, stigma and discrimination; strengthening partnerships, networks and multicountry frameworks to understand the status and promote and protect the health of migrants; and adapting policies, programs and legal frameworks to promote and protect the health and well-being of migrants.

PAHO also created a web portal with information and resources on the health of migrants in the Americas and other regions, and where countries can exchange information, best practices, lessons learned and national health plans for improving migrant health, among other support documents.

The guidance and web portal are both part of a commitment PAHO made in November 2018 in response to a series of priority actions identified by ministries of health from throughout the Americas for improving the health system response to mass migrations that have been occurring in the region.

“We need to have an emergency short-term response, with medium- and long-term planning that addresses the health needs of migrants,” said PAHO Assistant Director Jarbas Barbosa. “It is nearly impossible to think of an isolated response to addressing health and migration. We need to work in a collective way to address the health needs of migrants and of the populations that receive them, and to protect our region’s achievements.”

The phenomenon of mass migration has intensified in recent years in the Americas, in particular from Central America toward Mexico and the United States, and from Venezuela toward other South American countries and the Caribbean.

Countries in the Americas have demonstrated regional solidarity in providing support for migrants, but the high demand for health services coupled with a lack of resources and the re-emergence of previously eliminated diseases such as measles has put pressure on health care systems to meet the health needs of migrants while also meeting the needs of local populations.

Five lines of action for migrant health

PAHO proposes a series of interventions aimed at integrating migrant health needs into national policies, strategies and programs. It also seeks to bridge the short-term emergency response and medium- to long-term actions for integrating the health needs of the migrant population while ensuring the sustainability of actions currently being implemented.

The five lines of action and proposed interventions are:

Strengthen health surveillance, information management and monitoring to ensure that health systems in migrant-receiving countries are able to adapt and implement health interventions that meet the specific needs of migrants.
Improve access to health services for the migrant and host population by identifying and eliminating or mitigating specific barriers these groups face in access to services.
Improve communication and information exchange to counter xenophobia, stigma and discrimination and to promote a culture of inclusion and solidarity as well as information exchange between countries.
Strengthen partnerships, networks and multicountry frameworks to promote and protect the health of migrants effectively and efficiently, involving actors from different sectors, agencies and countries.
Adapt policies, programs and legal frameworks to promote and protect the health and well-being of migrants, by including migrant health in local and national policies and programs and by developing or modifying legal frameworks to address migrants’ rights to the highest attainable standards of physical and mental health, in accordance with international human rights obligations.

In the November 2018 meeting at PAHO headquarters in Washington, D.C., ministers of health discussed short- and medium-term actions in areas including surveillance, epidemiology, outbreak preparedness and prevention, and guaranteed access to health systems and services, among others. In addition to its technical guidance and web portal, PAHO also committed to developing a regional plan of action addressing the health needs of migrants, an initiative that will be developed in consultation with PAHO member states.

Links

— Guidance document on Migration and Health
— Migration and Health in the Americas (web portal)
— PAHO and ministers of Health from the Americas identified a series of actions that seek to improve the health of migrants in the Region

Director’s message – April 2019

The Partnership, including our countries and regional and civil society partners, are being requested to sustain the HIV response and to implement innovative approaches and services to achieve prevention, increase the number of persons who know their HIV status, retain more people on treatment and to ensure that those that are retained on treatment achieve viral suppression. The goal is for countries to achieve the UNAIDS 90-90-90 Targets by the end of 2020 and ultimately end the AIDS epidemic by 2030. Despite the challenges such as tight fiscal space, the high economic cost of natural disasters including hurricanes, and other competing issues such as crime and violence and rise in non-communicable diseases and emerging diseases our countries are progressively increasing domestic investment for HIV. Concomitantly, external donors are continuing to reduce their funding while urging countries to scale up, implement innovative approaches and demonstrate political will.

The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria will be hosting its Sixth Replenishment in France in October this year. A target of US$14billion has been set. In preparation for the replenishment, the Board of the Global Fund will place a spotlight on the Allocation Methodology at its 41st Meeting which will be held on 15 and 16 May 2019 in Geneva, Switzerland.

France, Germany, Communities, Developing Country NGO and Developed Country NGO constituencies of the Global Fund Board prepared a paper titled: Ensuring an optimal allocation of resources for the next cycle in 2020-2022. The paper acknowledges that allocation is the Global Fund’s main vehicle to steer its investments, therefore decisions about its methodology have tremendous consequences for people, countries and the response. The paper cautions that when the Board approves the allocation methodology at the May meeting, it needs to be confident that it is allocating its resources optimally for the next cycle. A strong argument advanced in the paper is that this decision (of the Board) must rest solidly on a demonstration that the allocation methodology provides the best possible answer to the question: what needs to be funded, and how?

The Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) constituency endorsed this paper as the decision on the allocation methodology could have serious implications for LAC, particularly in relation to funding for regional grants such as the PANCAP and CVC-COIN grants. The criteria being used by the Global Fund to make decisions on allocation are the ability to pay (World Bank’s assessment of countries’ gross national income) and the burden of the disease. The majority of LAC countries are classified as Upper Middle Income. Of concern is that key populations in the Caribbean, particularly men who have sex with men, transgender persons and sex workers have much higher prevalence rates due to the existence of discriminatory laws that hinder their access to services. Global Fund resources are therefore still needed to enable national programmes that include civil society organisations to deliver critical programmes to reduce key populations’ risk and vulnerability to HIV.

The LAC constituency delegation is fully committed to intensifying its advocacy and engagement at the pre-board and board meetings on the allocation methodology. We are hopeful that the decision on the allocation methodology will result in the maintenance of the current level of funding for our countries as well as the retention of an allocation for regional grants. Such outcomes would cushion countries’ efforts to progressively increase domestic resources for HIV while pursuing full country ownership and sustainability.

CRN+ receives encouraging response to #UnitedPositively initiative to end stigma & discrimination

The Region’s response to the #UnitedPositively social media initiative by the Caribbean Regional Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS (CRN+) has been outstanding. According to Senior Programme Officer, Jason Shepherd, since the launch, the organisation has received submissions from over 30 territories highlighting the urgent need to end discrimination.

The #UnitedPositively initiative was launched at the Seventh Meeting of the National AIDS Programme Managers and Key Partners on 11 March 2019. The initiative aims to challenge governments, policy makers, civil society organisations, the regional media and especially key populations (KPS), to let their voices be heard against stigma and discrimination that prevent vulnerable populations from accessing prevention, care, treatment, and support. The messages are highlighted via the CRN+ social media platforms and website.

The campaign continues until September 2019. Persons can submit “selfies” along with short messages speaking out against stigma and discrimination to info@crnplus.com

The gallery of messages from across the Region can be viewed on Twitter, https://twitter.com/CaribPlus and Facebook,

Caribbean Regional Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS (CRN+) affiliate network Anguilla Community Action Network (ACAN) hosted a Cancer Prevention Community Outreach

The Anguilla Community Action Network (ACAN) in collaboration with Eastern Caribbean Cancer Centre hosted a breast and prostate cancer awareness outreach on 11 – 14 April 2019.

The initiative facilitated public discussions via radio and television, a panel discussion focusing on “Managing the Rising Incidents of Cancer in Anguilla” and free breast and prostate cancer screening and follow- up consultations.

ACAN’s Director and Founder, Mr John Lake, a cancer survivor himself, expressed the importance of such initiatives and reinforced that “our health is our responsibility”. He further stated, “Knowing is crucial, and it is the first step to staying healthy. I am elated that the public in Anguilla took advantage of the outreach”.

This is the second cancer outreach facilitated by ACAN in an attempt to make cancer screening a regular service not only for People Living with HIV (PLHIV) but all citizens of Anguilla.

What is the Anguilla Community Action Network (ACAN)?

The Anguilla Community Action Network seeks to support persons infected and affected with HIV and AIDS by eliminating stigma and discrimination in the communities in which they live through advocacy, education, empowerment, and integration while working to stop the spread of all sexually transmitted infections.

For more information visit the ACAN Facebook page:

GTU and SASOD mark Transgender Visibility Day with Public Transport Consultation

Image: Participants of the Stakeholder Consultation on Violence and Discrimination in Access to Public Transportation

In observance of International Transgender Day of Visibility, 31 March, the Guyana Trans United (GTU) and the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD Guyana) in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Infrastructure hosted a Stakeholder Consultation on Violence and Discrimination in Access to Public Transportation for LGBTQ+ Persons at the Ministry’s Fort Street Kingston board room on Wednesday, 27 March 2019.

The consultation aimed to share information, facilitate dialogue and formulate solutions about the standard of respect and treatment required for all persons utilising public transportation. The meeting discussed the effects of anti-LGBTQ discrimination in accessing public transportation and regulations and solutions aimed at preventing and punishing violence and discrimination against LGBTQ+ persons seeking to utilise public transportation services.

Representatives from the United Mini Bus Union, Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Ministry of Business, Guyana Police Force, UNAIDS, USAID Advancing Partners and Communities Project, GTU and SASOD Guyana were in attendance.

In brief opening remarks, Managing Director of SASOD Guyana, Joel Simpson, noted that the goal of the consultation was to find collective solutions to prevent the violence and discrimination some LGBTQ+ persons, especially transgender persons, suffer when using public transportation. SASOD Guyana’s Human Rights Coordinator, Valini Leitch, pointed out the difficulties some LGBTQ+ persons encounter in accessing public transportation. She stated that discrimination affects access to healthcare, basic needs and has been an ongoing problem, especially for transgender persons who face the brunt of the abuses because of their visibility.

Simpson emphasised that every citizen should be able to access public transportation without fear of violence or discrimination. The problem, he said, is not just limited to mini-buses, but cuts across the local transportation sector, including taxis and speed boats. He also noted the limitations that LGBTQ persons encounter in accessing justice while also pointing out that the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) struck down Guyana’s law against cross-dressing in November 2018.

The Traffic Chief, Senior Superintendent Linden Isles explained that the law is clear on the obligation to carry passengers. He recognised that cases of discrimination do occur and highlighted the importance of reporting swiftly to the police and giving a clear and detailed statement to the police when these infringements arise. Mr Simpson noted that in some cases the traffic ranks do prejudicially take the side of the taxi driver or mini-bus operator. Simpson emphasised the need for sensitising traffic ranks and transport operators.

Muriel Tinnis-Duke, Director of Consumer Affairs at the Ministry of Business, noted that the recently released Code of Conduct for Minibus Operators was prepared with the prevention of all forms of discrimination in mind.

Recognizing gender as a prohibited category of discrimination in the Code of Conduct, Simpson noted that “sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression” need to be expressly included in the list of grounds in the Code’s nondiscrimination provision. He expressed the need for broader consultations on future iterations of the document.

Clive Williams, Planning Officer at the Ministry of Public Infrastructure’s Central Transport Planning Unit, noted that his Ministry was in full agreement that persons should not suffer any discrimination in accessing public transportation. He emphasised the need to engage transportation bodies to have sensitisation sessions.

In closing, Simpson acknowledged the role of education and expressed interest in further collaborations and bilateral meetings with the other stakeholders at the meeting. He also noted the need for GTU and SASOD Guyana to undertake community education to inform LGBTQ+ persons of their role in the process.

Caribbean Regional Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS (CRN+) convened its first Board of Directors Meeting for 2019

The Caribbean Regional Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS (CRN+) Board Meeting was convened at the Hilton Hotel, Port of Spain, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago on 15 March 2019.

The Meeting brought together CRN+ Board of Directors, Technical Advisory Group and Secretariat staff to further review and solicit input for improved governance and management of CRN+. The principal objective of the meeting was to review and revise the CRN+’s strategic direction for CRN+.

The meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on the current operations of CRN+ and develop new plans for the organisation. It was agreed that in order to improve the governance and management of CRN+, an organisational assessment must be conducted to determine the impact and relevance of CRN+. The results of the assessment will inform the new strategic direction of the network and the development of a resource mobilisation strategy and operational plan. The board will mobilise funding to conduct the assessment and develop the resource mobilization strategy and operational plan.

The meeting agreed that increased involvement of PLHIV in the regional and national HIV responses will require continued and improved collaboration with National AIDS Programmes.

It was also agreed that board members will be assigned to support select national networks.

Woman 2 Woman: Sex & Sexuality Forum

On Thursday, 7 March, the “Teabox Lounge” in South Hill, Anguilla came alive with laughter and tears as a cross-section of women gathered to discuss a topic that they all had in common: women’s sexuality. The forum, entitled “Woman to Woman” was coordinated by the National Chronic Disease Unit, Anguilla which has responsibility for sexual and reproductive health programming, in partnership with the Gender Affairs Unit under the 2019 Women’s Week activities.

The purpose of “Woman to Woman” was to provide a platform for discussion on sensitive issues relating to female sexuality without judgement in a supportive and safe environment.

Through dramatic presentations by the cast of the “Vagina Monologues” (Senoj Creations), and games such as “Sexual Charades” and “Label My Parts”, topics such as “My body after childbirth”, infertility, masturbation, sexual abuse, sexual stereotyping and mental abuse were presented and discussed by the audience.

Obstetrician, Dr Kareema Matthews, Clinical Psychologist, Dr Olufunmike Banks-Devonish and Director of Gender Affairs, Dr Ronya Foy Connor comprised the panellists who clarified misconceptions, expounded upon and explained factual content and provided appropriate references for the group.

The three-hour discussion forum was hosted by Ms Nisha Dupie and Ms Glenneva Hodge.

Director of the Chronic Disease Unit, Mrs Twyla Bradshaw-Richardson stated that is was refreshing to hear the candid discourse and the call for similar forums. She stated, “often the conversations are turned off because they are too difficult, which reinforces a myriad of challenges that face us today. I hope that the forum will be the springboard for such conversations and we can move away from the tendency to tune out such discourse”. Organisers intend to host “Woman to Woman” as an annual event.

Caribbean citizens invited to join conversation about human dignity

On Wednesday 24 April 2019 the Region is invited to participate in “Living good: dignified lives and just communities”. The community dialogue is jointly hosted by the University of the West Indies Rights Advocacy Project (URAP), the Trinidad and Tobago Equal Opportunity Commission (EOC), CAISO: Sex & Gender Justice, UNAIDS and the NGC Bocas Lit Fest.

It will bring together regional voices working in the fields of gender justice, HIV, domestic violence, workers’ rights, ethics, mental health and governance to explore how we can ensure all people have access to the minimum conditions to lead a dignified life.

“Respect for human dignity is central to all human rights. A dignified life includes being able to make choices that we think are best for our lives and having the opportunity to realise our fullest potential,” explained URAP Co-coordinator, Tracy Robinson.

The conversation will be moderated by Equal Opportunity Commission (EOC) Chairperson, Lynette Seebaran Suite. The EOC works towards the elimination of discrimination and the promotion of equality of opportunity through advocacy, public education, research and the reconciliation of complaints.

The event will include an exploration of the theme in the context of the landmark Caribbean Court of Justice judgment in Mc Ewan v AG by Ms Robinson.

The panellists are as follows:

Cyrus Sylvester, The Patient Advocate Mission
Élysse Marcellin, Mindwise, a Mental Health Project
Patrice Daniel, Walking into Walls
Rev. Elvis Elahie, Values Educator
Roberta Clarke, Coalition against Domestic Violence
Sophia Chote, SC, Trinidad and Tobago Independent Senator
Steve Theodore, Amalgamated Workers Union

The event will be held at the Chaguanas Borough Corporation Auditorium on Cumberbatch Street in Chaguanas, Trinidad from 7 PM – 9 PM local time. A Livestream will be available on facebook.com/unaidscaribbean (Start time is 5 PM in Belize, 6 PM in Jamaica and 7 PM in the Eastern Caribbean and Guyana). For those with questions about participating in-person, please contact 868 322-7373 or facebook.com/caiso.

PANCAP Regional Meeting concludes with calls for holistic approach to providing migrant health services through an intersectoral strategy

Thursday, 11 April 2019 (PANCAP Coordinating Unit, CARICOM Secretariat): The Pan-Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP), the mechanism that provides a structured and unified approach to the Caribbean’s response to the HIV epidemic, concluded the regional meeting to provide guidance on the implementation of the Regional Framework on Migrant Health and Rights on 11 April 2019 in Port-of-Spain, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

The purpose of the meeting was to facilitate input from regional stakeholders for finalising a guidance document on how to implement the Framework on Migrant Health and Rights within their country context.

The outcomes of the meeting included an agreement on a holistic approach to providing services for migrants including social services through an intersectoral strategy.

Participants emphasised that the health priorities of each territory must guide the implementation of the Migrant Framework at the country level as well as all policies governing access to migrants’ health.

Participants also agreed on the implementation of the Framework on Migrant Health and Rights at the country level in the interest of protecting and safeguarding public health throughout the region.

Participants were exposed to country presentations from Guyana and the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, which provided details of the situation and response to Venezuelan migrants as well as experiences from Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, The Bahamas and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). These experiences illustrated the need for the implementation of the Framework to ensure consistent access to health by migrants.

There was also broad agreement on the need to implement the Framework at the country level from a Human Rights perspective.

Participants called for research into the financial and human resource capacity that is essential to provide holistic health services for migrants. The meeting noted the urgent need for strategic information for decision-making regarding the type of services necessary for migrants. It was also recommended that countries research the requirements for a minimum package of services for migrants.

Participants also recommended research into sourcing a financial mechanism to mobilise funding for access to all healthcare by migrants.

Building strategic partnerships within the public health system to advance holistic treatment for migrants was proposed as a necessary step which would provide immediate results for improving access to services by migrants. Participants also advocated for creating strategic alliances with social services to offer comprehensive care for migrants including sexual and reproductive health services, housing, nutrition, etc.

There were calls for an education, training and sensitisation programme for immigration and border patrol officers to provide guidance on the health, social and psychological requirements of migrants.

Educating the media on the positive impact of migration and highlighting the benefits of integrating migrants into society through public awareness communication campaigns was also recommended. Participants emphasised the need to utilise the regional media to highlight the positive aspects of migrants’ culture to reduce negative perceptions.

Mr Dereck Springer, Director of PANCAP, committed to PANCAP continuing high-level engagements with policymakers, including Ministers of Health and Finance and the CARICOM Secretariat to advocate for access to health by migrants as a public health priority.

The Director highlighted that PANCAP would follow up with countries on the implementation of the Migrant Framework through the PANCAP Justice for All Programme and the PANCAP Policy and Strategy Working Group on Stigma and Discrimination.

The PANCAP Director concluded the meeting with a challenge for participants to advocate at the country-level for an intersectoral holistic approach to providing services for migrants which would incorporate their social and psychological needs. He noted that the draft guidance on the implementation of the framework proposed by participants is not prescriptive and can be adapted based on the requirements of each territory.

Participants included Port Health Medical Officers, Representatives of Ministries of National Security and Border Affairs, Legal officers and Protection Officers, International Development partners, Permanent Secretaries, Ministries of Health, Chief Medical Officers, National AIDS Programme Managers, Immigration Officers, Civil society partners that work with key populations, Youth Leaders, Private Sector, Academia, and the International Organization for Migration.

– ENDS –

Helpful links:

PANCAP Rights-Based Framework for Migrant Health and Rights 2018

https://pancap.org/pancap-documents/pancap-rights-based-framework-for-migrant-health-and-rights-2018/

Meeting to provide guidance to countries on how to operationalise the regional framework on migrant health and rights – Event page

https://pancap.org/pancap-events/regional-forum-on-migrants-and-mobile-populations-rights-and-health-2/

What is PANCAP?

PANCAP is a Caribbean regional partnership of governments, regional civil society organisations, regional institutions and organisations, bilateral and multilateral agencies and contributing donor partners which was established on 14 February 2001. PANCAP provides a structured and unified approach to the Caribbean’s response to the HIV epidemic, coordinates the response through the Caribbean Regional Strategic Framework on HIV and AIDS to maximise efficient use of resources and increase impact, mobilises resources and build capacity of partners.

Editor’s Notes

Background to the Meeting to provide guidance to countries on how to operationalise the regional framework on migrant health and rights

CARICOM governments have signed on to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and other relevant international conventions as evidence of their commitment to protect and promote the rights of migrants. The International Convention on the Protection of Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families 1990 is the most comprehensive instrument protecting the rights of migrants but only St Vincent and the Grenadines has ratified this convention. With respect to migrant workers, some countries have ratified the following conventions: #97 Migration for Employment; #111 Concerning discrimination in respect of employment and occupation; and #138 Concerning minimum age for admission to employment.

Previous assessments/studies have found that in the majority of countries, the HIV-related needs of migrants and mobile populations are not integrated in the national HIV response and existing health care programmes. Little data is available on diverse mobile populations and there are no culturally and linguistically appropriate HIV intervention programmes targeting mobile populations, especially high-risk groups including sex workers and MSM. Strict immigration policies adopted by some governments may drive sex workers underground, thereby making them and their clients more vulnerable to contracting HIV. Migrant workers in some countries are consistently listed among the most vulnerable populations owing to, among other factors; their legal status, lack of access to information and services, language barriers and poverty. However, to date no comprehensive strategies exist to address HIV prevention among this vulnerable population. There is limited understanding of the profile of the epidemic among migrant workers or the factors that increase this population’s vulnerability to HIV.

Given the challenges outlined above PANCAP, with funding from the Global Fund in June 2018, developed a regional rights-based framework to increase the access of migrants and mobile populations to HIV prevention, care, support and treatment.

The Framework sets out a roadmap for equitable and non-discriminatory access to health care services across the Caribbean for mobile and migrant populations regardless of age, race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, property, birth or other status. The Framework responds to the findings of two multi-country studies conducted by PANCAP over the period 2011 – 2015 which highlighted the barriers to access HIV services by migrant and mobile populations. Following a participatory approach involving representation from Government, (Ministry of Health, Chief Medical Officers, National AIDS Programmes, Immigration Officers) Civil Society (Migrant groups and other key population groups) and international and regional organisations including, PANCAP, UWI, IOM, UNHCR and UNAIDS at a regional forum in Trinidad and Tobago from the 26-27 June 2018, the mandate was for the development of a more comprehensive roadmap for a Regional Rights-Based Framework to Increase the Access of Migrants and Mobile Populations to HIV Prevention, Care, Support and Treatment.

The Framework is rationalised with the vision of regionalism under the CSME and sets out guiding principles and recommended strategies for regional and national action. The Protocol on Contingent Rights was adopted and opened for signature at the 39th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community held in Montego Bay, Jamaica on 4-6 July 2018. It was signed by seven countries (Barbados, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Suriname) but is not yet in force. The Protocol grants rights to CARICOM nationals exercising the right of establishment, provision of services, movement of capital or free movement of skills. Spouses and immediate dependents are also entitled to enjoy these rights.

The Framework on Migrant Health and Rights was subsequently endorsed by the Priority Areas Coordinating Committee (technical committee of the PANCAP Executive Board), PANCAP Executive Board and the Council for Human and Social Development – Ministers of Health). The Priority Areas Coordinating Committee recommended that PANCAP should identify a model that can be used to guide countries in operationalising the Framework to their county context.

PANCAP Regional Meeting to Focus On Implementation of Migrant Health and Rights Framework

Tuesday, 2 April 2019 (PANCAP Coordinating Unit, CARICOM Secretariat): The Pan-Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP), the mechanism that provides a structured and unified approach to the Caribbean’s response to the HIV epidemic, will host a regional meeting to provide guidance on the implementation of the Regional Framework on Migrant Health and Rights on 10 – 11 April 2019 in Port-of-Spain, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

The Framework was developed by stakeholders at the Regional Forum on Migrants’ and Mobile Populations’ Health and Rights in June 2018 with funding from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

The purpose of the Framework is to increase the access of migrants and mobile populations to HIV prevention, care, support and treatment. The Framework provides a roadmap for equitable and non-discriminatory access to health care services across the Caribbean for mobile and migrant populations regardless of age, race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, property, birth or other status.

The Framework was subsequently endorsed by the Priority Areas Coordinating Committee (PACC – the technical committee of the PANCAP Executive Board), PANCAP Executive Board and the Council for Human and Social Development – Ministers of Health (COHSOD). The PACC recommended that PANCAP identify a model to guide countries in operationalising the Framework within their country context. This will be the focus of the upcoming regional meeting.

The meeting is occurring a few weeks after Hon. Terrence Deyalsingh, Minister of Health, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago announced that migrants will receive the same free health care as nationals, particularly in relation to sexually transmitted diseases.

The Minister was speaking at the Seventh Meeting of National AIDS Programme Managers and Key Partners held on 11 – 13 March in Port-of-Spain. The Minister further stated, “We have taken a decision in Trinidad and Tobago, you know we have Venezuelan migrants, to treat them as nationals. Because migrants do not live in isolation in the countries they migrate to. They mix with the rest of the population; they integrate themselves with the environment. So we have taken a policy decision at the Ministry of Health to treat all migrants regardless of their country of origin as citizens of Trinidad and Tobago when it comes to public health”.

PANCAP Director, Dereck Springer stated that the Minister’s announcement could not be more timely as a pivotal aspect of the upcoming meeting will be the input provided by participants for finalising a guidance document on how to implement the Framework on Migrant Health and Rights within their country context.

The Director further highlighted that the objectives of the meeting are to share the findings of a desk review on models/guidance for operationalising the Framework on Migrants Health and Rights and validate the findings of an assessment of the needs of countries’ health systems to provide services for migrants.

Participants will include Port Health Medical Officers, Representatives of Ministries of National Security and Border Affairs, Legal officers and Protection Officers, International Development partners, Permanent Secretaries, Ministries of Health, Chief Medical Officers, National AIDS Programme Managers, Immigration Officers, Civil society partners that work with key populations, Faith Leaders, Youth Leaders, Private Sector, Academia, the International Organization for Migration and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees – The UN Refugee Agency.