Media Releases – Page 39

Towards Just and Inclusive Communities: A Statement on Sec.377 of IPC

We, the members of the National Ecumenical Forum for Gender and Sexual Diversities of the National Council of Churches in India note the decision of the Supreme Court of India on 8th January 2018 to refer to a Constitution Bench a petition seeking to quash Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code which criminalizes homosexuality. The apex court has observed that a section of people cannot live in fear of the law which atrophies their right to choice and natural sexual inclinations.

Homosexuality and homo-eroticism have been practiced in India from time immemorial. Homosexual activity was never condemned or criminalized in ancient India. Such activities were tolerated as long as people fulfilled the societal expectations of marriage and procreation.

This is the context in which the British came to India as part of their mission of colonial expansion.

In Great Britain, from the Middle Ages, heterosexuality was understood as the divinely ordered and natural norm for human sexuality, and any deviance from this norm was perceived as immoral and unnatural, and hence a sin against God. Christian sexual ethics based on heteronormativity thus led to the imposition of Sodomy Law in Great Britain.

The understanding of sexual ethics of the British colonial administration was deeply influenced by Victorian morality and its particular interpretation of the Judeo-Christian scripture and theology. So, the British authorities considered tolerance towards homosexuality as a social evil, and based on heteronormative principles, they initiated stringent measures to criminalize homoeroticism as part of their mission to civilize the heathens in India. In 1861, the British colonial administration imposed the Sodomy Laws in India to “purify” and “cure” the Indians of their primitive and deviant sexual practices.

Today, there are around seventy countries in the world which continue to criminalize private same-sex intimacy between consenting adults, and eleven countries that still impose the death penalty for homosexuals. The fact is that most of these countries are former British colonies. However, in 1967, the United Kingdom repealed the Sodomy laws, and the Church of England played a significant role in it. The first report in Britain, calling for decriminalization, was initiated and published by the Anglican Church. Further, there was a significant Anglican presence in the Wolfenden Committee, appointed by the government, which recommended to the Parliament to repeal the Sodomy Law.

In the contemporary context of growing fascism, it is important for us to understand the Sodomy Law as legal codes of fascism as they provide the State the power to intervene, invade, regulate, and monitor even the intimate spheres of human life. The Sodomy Law legally sanctions a regime of imperial gaze where the people are always under the surveillance of the State. This repressive legal code further reduces human body and sexuality into “colonies” that can be invaded, tamed, and redeemed with the display of abusive power by the law enforcement officers and the judiciary of the State, and the violent interventions of moral policing by the Religious Right.

There have been different initiatives, campaigns and litigations to repeal Sec 377. On July 2nd 2009, in a historic verdict, the Delhi High Court repealed Sec 377. According to the learned judges, “If there is one constitutional tenet that can be said to be underlying theme of the Indian Constitution, it is that of ‘inclusiveness’… In our view, Indian Constitutional law does not permit the statutory criminal law to be held captive by the popular misconceptions of who the LGBTs are. It cannot be forgotten that discrimination is antithesis of equality and that it is the recognition of equality which will foster the dignity of every individual…We declare that Section 377 IPC, insofar it criminalizes consensual sexual acts of adults in private, is violative of Articles 21, 14 and 15 of the Constitution.”

However, the Supreme Court of India, in a verdict given in 2013, set aside the verdict of the Delhi High Court. “We hold that Section 377 does not suffer from unconstitutionality and the declaration made by the High Court is legally unsustainable… However, the competent legislature shall be free to consider the desirability and propriety of deleting Section 377 from the statute book or amend it.”

A Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court of India, in a verdict on August 24, 2017, held that “right to privacy is an intrinsic part of Right to Life and Personal Liberty under the Constitution.” “Discrete and insular minorities face grave dangers of discrimination for the simple reason that their views, beliefs or way of life does not accord with the ‘mainstream.’ Sexual orientation is an essential attribute of privacy. Discrimination against an individual on the basis of sexual orientation is deeply offensive to the dignity and self-worth of the individual.” This verdict gave a great boost to the initiatives to decriminalize homoeroticism in India.

Soon after the Delhi High Court verdict repealing Sec 377, the NCCI organized a roundtable to reflect upon the verdict theologically and biblically. The statement of the roundtable affirmed that “We recognize that there are people with different sexual orientations. Our faith affirmation that we are created in the image of God makes it imperative for us to reject systemic and personal attitudes of homophobia against sexual minorities. . . We envision Church as a sanctuary to the ostracized who thirst for understanding, friendship, love, compassion, and solidarity. We appeal to churches to sojourn with sexual minorities and their families ministerially, without prejudice and discrimination, to provide them ministries of love, compassionate care, and justice. We request the National Council of Churches in India and its member churches to initiate an in-depth theological study on Human Sexuality for better discernment of God’s purpose for us.”

In the Indian context of religious diversity, it is important to initiate interfaith coalitions to campaign against homophobia. An interfaith round table was organized in 2014 which brought together theologians, clerics, and practitioners of all major religious traditions in India. The statement of the interfaith roundtable affirmed that: “We commit ourselves to critically engage with our belief systems and practices to review and re-read scriptures and moral codes that stigmatize and demonize people who are different from us. We condemn homophobia and bigotry as morally unacceptable and commit ourselves to eradicate this sin from our religious communities. We pledge to accompany friends who are stigmatized and criminalized due to their sexual orientations and to provide them fellowship and solidarity in their struggles to love and live with dignity. We commit ourselves to transform our worship places to welcome and provide safe spaces for sexual minorities. We discern the need to reclaim and reinterpret our traditions and rituals, festivals and feasts, scriptures and practices, to liberate our religions from the shackles of ideologies of exclusion such as patriarchy, casteism, and homophobia. . . We call upon religious leaders to condemn homophobia and to practice non-discriminatory hiring policies in their institutions, and also to follow affirmative action to end the discrimination that transgendered people face in admissions and appointments. We affirm our resolve to work tirelessly to create a new world of compassion, justice, inclusivity, and acceptance where the divine gift of sexuality will be celebrated in all diverse manifestations of affirmative love.”

Hence churches in India need to give responsible consideration to the initiative of the Supreme Court of India to review Sec 377 in the light of constitutional rights and the right to privacy and the gospel of justice and love. As followers of the non-conformist Christ, the one who consistently questioned unjust and non-compassionate traditions of public morality, our call is to reject all laws that demonize, criminalize, and exclude human beings and work to facilitate just inclusive and loving communities.

In Solidarity,

Members,
National Ecumenical Forum of the Gender and Sexual Diversities,
National Council of Churches in India.

Communiqué – Dialogue between Religious Leaders and Key Populations, February 7-9, 2018, Paramaribo, Suriname

Opening Ceremony

Canon Garth Minott, Co-Chair, described the dialogue between Caribbean Religious Leaders and Representatives of key populations (sex workers, the LGBT community, Transgender community, etc.) as a historic occasion. He highlighted that it was one of the major outcomes of the PANCAP Conference involving 50 Religious Leaders from across the Caribbean Region held in Trinidad and Tobago February 1-2, 2017. He stated that the aim of the dialogue was to establish how the collaboration between Religious Leaders and Key Populations could contribute to the Region’s quest to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030. He identified the focus as:

• Addressing the gaps in treatment and prevention of HIV with special reference to the 90-90-90 test and treat targets and the strategies for combination prevention
• Promoting the reduction of stigma and discrimination especially in relation to key populations
• Promoting a viable legislative environment while fostering compliance with the principles of human rights, human sexuality, and human dignity.
• Forging partnerships and reconciling overlapping and divergent aspects of secular and religious governance that deal with the sacredness and wholeness of each person and social action to promote their dignity

Mr. Dereck Springer brought greetings from Prime Minister, Timothy Harris, CARICOM Lead Head for Human Resources, Health and HIV and Ambassador Irwin La Rocque, CARICOM Secretary General. He stated that the dialogue is a milestone for PANCAP and is consistent with the goals of the PANCAP Justice for All Programme as well as the 2016 UN Political Declaration to which all CARICOM States are committed. In his view, it reflects the attempt to better understand the convergence of the social and theological perspectives that would contribute to agreements on what it takes to reduce stigma and discrimination.

Dr. Yitades Gebre, PAHO/WHO Representative to Suriname, said the theme of the dialogue is a reminder that every human life is of inestimable value. He expected the outcomes of the dialogue to create an environment that is inclusive and to provide options for bridging diversity, breaking down the barriers of stigma and discrimination and increasing involvement of treatment and prevention partners. Taking action on these issues is consistent with the PAHO/WHO goal for achieving Universal Access to Health for all.

Giving the keynote address, His Excellency Patrick Pengel, Minister of Health, Suriname and Chair of the PANCAP Executive Board stated that Suriname is pleased to host the dialogue. It is a country known for its liberal embrace of diversity. He reiterated the fact that Suriname joined other CARICOM Countries in supporting the 2016 UN High-Level Political Declaration aimed at ending HIV/AIDS by 2030 and that It is particularly committed to the UN 90-90-90 targets. He stressed the importance of partnerships and access to information to reduce stigma, hence the need to strengthen the health information systems, improve the continuum of healthcare and implementing policies reflecting equity in health and life circumstances. This requires compassion for all, commitment to principles that empower rather than marginalize and action that is inclusive and does not leave anyone behind. He advocated for human rights health desks as an important mechanism linking inter-religious networks and key populations. He stated that the dialogue hosted by PANCAP and bringing together Religious Leaders and representatives of key populations is applauded by the Government of Suriname

Colin Robinson gave the vote of thanks with the charge that participants “unpack the tools” needed to do the work: their faith, hopes, and biases.

Plenary Sessions on the Perspectives of Religious Leaders and Key Populations

The first two Plenary Sessions dealt with the complementary issues of the experiences of Religious Leaders and Key Populations. They more specifically dealt with gay, lesbian, bisexual, persons of trans experience and intersex persons, sex work experiences, young people and confronting the challenges of stigma and discrimination.

Among the major issues that emerged were: (a) the general experiences that require special attention by both Religious Leaders and Representatives of Key Populations and (b) the policies that promote inclusion of Key populations in the decision making process.

General Issues emerging from the dialogue between Religious Leaders and Key Populations

• The lived experience of people is at the heart of human sexuality and is a part of who people are.
• Where there is a conflict in matters of religion, philosophy, psychology, law, and human rights principles, it should be ensured that the latter is given consideration.
• In promoting health and well-being there is need to engage the religious community in better understanding of the critical issues of stigma and discrimination and the special challenges of key populations which include youth.
• Account must be taken that different populations/vulnerable groups overlap—e.g., LGBTI people may be people living in poverty; people with disabilities may be young people; people living with HIV may be elderly people.
• Trans persons presented a special case in relation to gender identity, as distinguished from sexual orientation.
• The importance of the Trans person’s relationship to God is not to be underestimated or disregarded.
• Tackling the major social determinants of health includes poverty which compounds the challenges faced by LGBTI and other Key populations with special reference to access, adherence, stigma, and discrimination.
• Need for the Religious Community to create spaces of hospitality that bring disparate groups together and create the basis for healing, compassion, love, and inclusion.

Four (4) Working Groups addressed specific issues relating to:

• Addressing gaps in treatment and prevention of HIV.
• Addressing determinants of Stigma and Discrimination and partnerships between religious groups and Key Populations in the solution
• Forging Partnerships between Religious Leaders, Parliamentarians and LGBTI towards achieving legislative reform, and
• Ways in which Religious Leaders and Members of Key Populations can appreciate each other’s positions and overcoming differences to achieve results of access to Public Health by key populations.
Issues arising from the discussion and for further consideration:
• Promote and implement policies for inclusion
• Recognize the voice and importance of PLHIV spearheaded by in-country CRN+ networks
• Identify those areas of common agreement and pursue policies with empathy
• Sex Workers “performing a service” and not “selling their bodies” as their human rights to earn a living.
• Reconsider the definition of Sex Work and engage in ongoing dialogue with Governments and sex workers to foster an enabling environment towards ending AIDS by 2030.
• Discuss the concept of Transgender within sacred scripture and theological constructs
• Take cognizance of information based on scientific evidence on human sexuality and sexual and gender diversity
• Incorporate the theological guidelines that ‘all human beings are made in the image of God’ and that ‘God Almighty dwells within all of us’
• Religious teachings may undergo changes based on interpretation and practice.

Religious Leaders Caucus focused on the need for ongoing dialogue and networking within and among religious communities and with members of key populations. Key Populations Caucus affirmed that strengthening Caribbean democracy and justice for all entails a commitment to the principle of including marginalized groups in a range of policy-making and governance, including representation in legislatures, political parties and at planning tables. It was affirmed that key populations and their interests deserve as much a place in governance as do religious representatives.

Recommendations for Constructive Dialogue between Religious Leaders and Key Populations

• Creating spaces of hospitality: “welcome of the strangers/the others in their otherness based on respect— e.g. community evangelism in the Dominican Republic”
• Establishing the basis for places of worship to give parents tools on Sexuality and incorporate holistic sexuality education into their programmes, including those for youth.
• Making every effort to reach marginalized populations, including advocating for and/or reasonable legislative changes, and seeking to cooperate in this venture.
• Establishing a national mechanism to address social and psychological approaches for dealing with the challenges affecting key populations.

Prayer and Worship

Members of the various religious communities were given opportunities to guide the assembly in moments of meditation, at the beginning and at the end of each day. Reflections were held on the basis of the respective religious traditions present at the consultation. This was an opportunity to engage the faith of the participants with the lived realities discussed within the consultation. This meditation set the tone of the conversations in the plenary, small groups and individual encounters. Through this interreligious approach, participants were able to learn more about one another’s faiths and could also begin to create a better understanding and respect for other faith and perspectives.

The Way Forward

Members of the Regional Consultative Steering Committee for the Implementation of Recommendations to End AIDS by 2030 will meet before the end of February to deliberate on the recommendations from this consultation. Specific focus will be on strengthening the religious networks in each territory and encouraging religious leaders to include representatives from key populations on the steering/management committees. It is anticipated that at least one consultation will be held in each territory in the next twelve to eighteen months. Recommendations from these consultations will be fed into another regional consultation of religious leaders and key populations in two to three years.

Appreciation

Religious Leaders and members of Key Populations worshipped God in joint services on the morning and afternoon of each day. This was to give thanks to God for mercies in making this dialogue possible and in providing a space for both groups to engage in this historic dialogue. We are therefore grateful to God for inspiration and guidance and to our partners locally in Suriname, regionally in CARICOM and PANCAP and globally, especially Global Fund for tangible assistance. To God be the glory.

Religious leaders urge colleagues to encourage People Living with HIV to get medical tests even if they get spiritual healing

Image: Executive director of the Jamaica AIDS Support for Life (JASL), Kandasi Levermore

There is currently no known medical cure for HIV and AIDS, but national superintendent for the United Pentecostal Church of Jamaica (UPCJ), Bishop O’Garth McKoy, said he has encountered individuals who have been healed from the disease.

The pastor recounted the case of one woman, who he said was healed after he anointed and prayed for her.

“She was a member, but she was out for a while and she came to me and told me that she found out she was HIV-positive, so as a result, she asked me to pray for her. I don’t usually do this on a whim, because several persons have come to me and I have never really felt a pull to pray for them,” McKoy told The Sunday Gleaner.

He said he instructed the woman to check back with her physician, and she was able to receive proof that she no longer had the disease.

“She went and did the test and the stakeholders believed that no, something is wrong, and they did it again and after two consecutive retests, so to speak, she was declared clear,” said McKoy.

MISSING OUT

Executive director of the Jamaica AIDS Support for Life (JASL), Kandasi Levermore, has expressed concern that several of the group’s clients have abandoned treatment in recent times because they were declared healed by a pastor after being prayed for.

“So when we reach out to them, they are missing out on care, they are not coming to the clinic and they are getting worse, their outcomes are declining,” she said.

Representatives of the Jamaica Council of Churches (JCC) are scheduled to meet with Levermore on February 2019 to discuss the issue.

Newly appointed president of the JCC, Merlyn Hyde-Riley, cautions persons against using spirituality as a deterrent to taking their medication.

“Yes, we should have faith and we should trust and believe God for our healing, but I believe God also heals us through different means and it is not always supernatural, it can be through the natural, which is the medication or whatever is available to help in that process,” said Hyde-Riley.

NEVER ASSUME

“I also believe in supernatural healing, and that God can do what God chooses to do. However, one should never assume that because they pray for healing it means that is consistent with God’s will for their life and that it will necessarily happen,” added Hyde-Riley, who is also the associate general secretary for the Jamaica Baptist Union.

McKoy said he also believes in miracles, and he is of the firm view that persons can be healed from debilitating illnesses such as HIV/AIDS.

“I am not saying in every case it would happen, but I know it has happened quite a number of times,” said McKoy, even as he cautioned fellow pastors against advising persons to stop taking their medications.

According to McKoy, he always instructs persons to check with their doctor after they have been healed.

“You have a responsibility to have them go to the medical practitioners to validate same thereafter, so that is a rule I operate with consistently for the past 24 years or so,” he said.

“If they come and say they are cleared, then automatically they would stop take it (medication), but I don’t advocate for it,” added McKoy.

The pastor said given the concerns, he intends to raise the issue with pastors within the UPCJ during their upcoming convocation this month. The church body comprises 123 established churches and another 24 satellite churches.

Remarks by the Director of PANCAP on the occasion of the Caribbean Regional Consultation of Key Populations and Religious Leaders on the Right to Health and Well-being for All

7th February 2018

Excellency Patrick Pengel, Minister of Health, Suriname, Dr Yitades Gebre, PAHO/WHO Representative, Suriname, Canon Garth Minott, Mr Colin Robinson and members of the Planning Committee, Dr Edward Greene, UNAIDS and PANCAP Advisor, Ms Monique Holtuin, National AIDS Programme Manager, Ms Mylene Pocorni, CCM Coordinator, faith leaders, key population leaders, colleagues, members of the media.

Today, the Partnership celebrates another significant milestone. Our faith and key population leaders are gathered here in Suriname to engage in a dialogue on reducing stigma and discrimination at this regional consultation on the right to health and wellbeing for all. This builds on PANCAP’s separate engagement with faith leaders and key population leaders and demonstrates the progress we have made as a region.

I believe that this dialogue, which is consistent with the PANCAP Justice for All Programme of affirming human rights and reducing stigma and discrimination, will contribute to the regional efforts that are directed toward the removal of barriers that impede access to HIV and sexual and reproductive health services for key populations.

We cannot end AIDS unless no one is left behind. The Justice for All Roadmap reflects a consensus that increasing uptake of health services by key populations requires a synergistic approach to strengthen both the enabling environment as well as the provision of sound evidence-based prevention, treatment and care services.

This consultation, therefore, brings faith leaders and key population leaders to the same table to increase understanding of (i) the effects of stigma and discrimination on health outcomes, (ii) the public health rationale for work to improve the enabling environment, including law and policy reform, and (iii) PANCAP’s efforts in this area, including the Justice for All programme.

I am confident that this consultation will open the door for further dialogue at both the regional and national levels, and increase support for efforts to reduce stigma and discrimination, including law and policy advocacy efforts, and ending AIDS by 2030.

I look forward to a successful consultation and the joint agreements that will emanate. I end by assuring you of PANCAP’s commitment to supporting you in your work ahead.

Thank you.

Remarks By Dr. Yitades Gebre, PAHO/WHO Representative In Suriname on the occasion of the Caribbean Regional Consultation Of Key Populations And Religious Leaders On The Right To Health And Well-being For All February 7- 9, 2018

Ladies and gentlemen,

‘Our ordinary acts of love and hope point to the extraordinary promise that every human life is of inestimable value.’ – Desmond Tutu
While the freedom of religion is a core value in a democratic society that’s protected by the Constitution, religious freedom doesn’t give anyone the right to discriminate.

The World Health Constitution states that ‘The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition’.

‘Globally, men who have sex with men, are 24 times more likely to acquire HIV than adults in the general population, while transgender people are 18 times more likely to acquire HIV than adults in the general population. Though further research is still needed existing studies suggest that such discrimination intersects with other forms of social advantages and disadvantages across axes such as ability, geography, health status, and age.’

However, it is important to note that human rights violations and marginalization can fuel the spread of HIV and jeopardize access to HIV prevention and treatment services. Factors such as stigma, discrimination, criminalization, and violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity contribute to hindering access to healthcare and social services, as well as HIV prevention, treatment and care services for these populations. As Navars Diaz and colleagues described “Stigma is not only related to personal or social attitudes that serve to devalue a person or group, rather, these ideas are also deeply embedded in social structures that shape individual beliefs and behaviours. They are influenced by power dynamics that serve to oppress the stigmatized and maintain social control over them through the use of restrictive, stereotyped, or punitive beliefs.’ “The right to health also means that everyone should be entitled to control their own health and body, including having access to sexual and reproductive information and services, free from violence and discrimination”. WHO DG. “Everyone has the right to privacy and to be treated with respect and dignity. Nobody should be subjected to medical experimentation, forced medical examination, or given treatment without informed consent.” The study from Puerto Rico by Varas-Diaz in the case of HIV/AIDS stigma; “the stigmatisation of PWHA is not solely based on fears of contagion, but on the social use of power as a means to control particular groups and maintain hierarchies through social institutions and their representatives, such as public policymakers and medical personnel.’

As seen in many Caribbean countries ‘some research suggests that religious organisations and their leaders may interpret their role as keepers of morality and religious tradition in their communities an obligation that can appear to contradict the marginalised or stigmatised groups that are often more vulnerable to HIV infection (such as intravenous drug users or homosexual men, transgender women )’. Although some aspects of religious participation have been found to be health fostering in certain contexts, it may be that religion can also foster HIV/AIDS stigma. For example, some studies have found that religious beliefs are related to the idea that infection is a punishment from God, and that PWHA are to blame because they did not follow established moral or religious code. The United Nations Systems acknowledge that “States bear the primary duty under international law to protect everyone from discrimination and violence”. These violations, therefore, require an urgent response by governments, parliaments, judiciaries and national human rights institutions. Community, religious and political leaders, workers’ organizations, the private sector, health providers, civil society organizations and the media also have important roles to play. Human rights are universal – cultural, religious and moral practices and beliefs and social attitudes cannot be invoked to justify human rights violations against

WHO states that “Human sexuality includes many different forms of behavior and expression. It is increasingly acknowledged that recognition of the diversity of sexual behavior and expression contributes to people’s overall sense of well-being and health. Understanding the related risks and vulnerabilities associated with the way sexual behavior and expression are perceived in society is also key to understanding barriers to health and how to address these.”

“Another feature of rights-based approaches is meaningful participation. Participation means ensuring that national stakeholders – including non-state actors such as non-governmental organizations – are meaningfully involved in all phases of programming: assessment, analysis, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.”

PAHO/WHO has made a commitment to mainstream human rights into healthcare programs and policies on national and regional levels by looking at underlying determinants of health as part of a comprehensive approach to health and human rights. Please allow me to end my remarks with one quote from the former president of South Africa, H.E Nelson Mandela. “A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination. Indeed, we need to use our good heart and a good head to have this meeting to be successful.

Thank you.

Feature address by His Excellency, Patrick Pengel, Minister of Public Health on the occasion of the Dialogue between Regional Faith Leaders and Regional Key Population Leaders

Paramaribo, Suriname
Courtyard Marriott
February 7-9
Opening Remarks

Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS Dialogue between Regional Faith Leaders and Regional Key Population Leaders

His Excellency, Patrick Pengel, Minister of Public Health

Greetings to our Caribbean friends and colleagues. Welcome to Paramaribo, Suriname. Hope you will have a wonderful stay in Suriname.

The Government of Suriname is honored the PANCAP brought this Dialogue between Regional Faith Leaders and Regional Key Population Leaders to Suriname. Suriname is known for its peaceful co-existence of a multi-ethnic, multi-religious population. It is our pride and our benchmark and will prove to be a fertile environment for this dialogue.

This year the world will commemorate 35 years of HIV, 30 years of World AIDS Day, 20 plus years of life saving HIV combination anti-retroviral medicine, four years since the proclamation of the 90-90-90 targets, 2 years since the United Nations High Level Meeting and the proclamation of elimination of AIDS by 2030 and leaving no one behind.

Progress is being made in the world in the fight against HIV, 19.5 million people are reportedly now accessing anti-retroviral treatment, but there are still another 17 million people left to access treatment.

In Suriname there are 2400 persons on treatment, this is a 60% increase from 2014 and the gap of persons still needing treatment is expected to swiftly decline as Suriname as a country has officially committed to ‘Treat All’ on World AIDS Day 2017. However, there still remains a gap of more than 40% of persons living with HIV in Suriname that require access to treatment. In the Latin America- Caribbean Region 46% of persons living with HIV are successfully on treatment. At least another 40% of persons living with HIV will be added to this number before this gap is sufficiently bridged.

The Region is doing much better in eliminating Mother-to-Child Transmission. We applaud the six Caribbean countries that were validated for the elimination of mother-to-child transmission this past World AIDS Day. We applaud this achievement and are motivated to work towards our own validation.

But amidst these successes, we in Suriname, in the Caribbean, in the World know there are gaps that exist in access to treatment and prevention of HIV under Men having Sex with Men, Transgenders, Sex Workers, youth at risk, women, elders, and people who use drugs in our societies.

What is the gap we need to bridge in order to reach the 90-90-90 targets for all? Do we know where we stand in our communities specifically for those at higher risk? If you want to go fast go alone, but if you want to go far, as in 90-90-90 far, go with many – take your whole community along the journey, leave no one behind!

Do we know in each of our respective countries what the gaps are? Is everyone in our society involved in the journey towards 90-90-90? Are our communities well informed about HIV and AIDS? Do they know that it is always better to know than not know; as the Brazilians say “living better Knowing” and we in Suriname say “Sab I Libi, Tek a Test”

Do we know how to prevent ourselves from getting infected? But also, do we know how to live a healthy fulfilling life, if needed, with HIV? Do we know that a person on treatment who is undetectable, He/ She also is Un-infectious? Do our programs share this very important information with our population? Do share this important message to everyone; leave no one behind!

In Suriname like all other countries it takes daily commitment, improvement of health information systems, sharing these data and developing strategies with the involvement of all stakeholders to strengthen the health programs in general, and the HIV programs specifically.

In Suriname, we have been able to better analyze the continuum of care in key populations, due to linking data acquired during HIV prevention outreach in key population and linking those with our treatment database. We are convinced that the continuum of HIV care will be improved by practicing knowledge management and strategic alliances.

Humans are social beings

All children that are neglected, are withheld tender love and care, stop growing, stop reaching their developmental milestones. This is the same with adults, they may be deeply affected and not reach their God-given potential when not accepted or when rejected by their loved ones, by their friends and families, by their colleagues at work, by their churches, by society as a whole. Rejection on the bases of how one looks, dresses, acts in accordance or not with one’s biological sex creates and maintains inequity in our society.

The vision of the Ministry of Health is ‘Health for All’ also stated in our Surinamese constitution as the ‘Right to Health’ in line with WHO’s ‘Universal Access to Health’. Equity in health is a beacon which governments are working towards and governments know it will not be easy reaching these goals. Policies and laws designed to guarantee equity in life circumstances and in health do not always work as intended. Even when redress mechanisms are in place, stigma and discrimination often prevent victims from coming forward.

If stigma and discrimination are existing, their roots run deep. Too many persons rather suffer or die in pain than come forward and get help and treatment for HIV and AIDS because of the stigma, because of the discrimination.

Too many persons rather not know their status than come forward and have a fellow community member judge and reject them for the profession they do, the sexual preference they have, or maybe the age of their first sexual encounter. Too many persons don’t access care for these reasons. They are being left behind.

But nonetheless, key populations are part of our communities. They are our brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, colleagues, sport team members, our fellow churchgoers, our fellow human beings, they are us. The key populations are part of our communities. They are religious, they live, love, work, and contribute to our societies. We are aware of the challenges existing between religious teachings and non-alignment with certain behaviors. We are not here to deny that gap, to force alliance no matter what. But we do think compassion for all and the opportunity of consolation through religion is a basic human right. Religion is often a fundamental part of the life of human beings, certainly in our Caribbean Region. Even more so in those that are marginalized and ill. In illness, even non-religious persons often seek closure and healing in faith. Thus it is even more important to have faith leaders included in the discussion on the prevention and care of HIV. Even more important to have faith leaders informed about the facts and the myths in HIV care. Even more important to have faith leaders supporting messages that advocate for health.

The legislative environment

We are aware that key populations seeking redress often face barriers of exposure, stigma, and discrimination in the process. In practice, this amounts to that although having a health for all policy, as well as workplace policies that adhere to ILO conventions in place, as is the case in Suriname, there still is a need to have additional measure taken to have justice served. Human Rights Help desks could serve an additional purpose in this regard.

In practice, this will also amount to the need for collaborative partnerships among LGBTI representatives, parliamentarians, and Religious Leaders, as well as with other representatives of key populations to complement and to sustain the positive legislative environment.

The relationship between faith and governance

In Suriname, there is freedom of religion and religious expression. Different religious groups are co-existing peacefully side by side. There is a council consisting of representatives of the different religions present in Suriname. The religious council in Suriname, IRIS= Inter Religieuse Raad in Suriname, is an important organ for Faith Leaders in Suriname to voice opinions and views on all kinds of socially relevant issues. This council, IRIS- Inter Religieuse Raad in Suriname, is well respected, already often consulted on social issues, already a best practice of organized involvement of Faith Leaders in socially important matters and could serve as a stepping stone towards greater alliances with government and disadvantaged groups in our society to improve health for all.

The Dialogue

This PANCAP dialogue between Regional Key Population Leaders and Regional Faith Leaders to reduce stigma and discrimination for all and create a positive environment for partnerships between stakeholders in order to bridge gaps in universal access to health in general and gaps in HIV and AIDS health services in specific. This dialogue is applauded by the Government of Suriname.

Suriname applauds PANCAP and all partners involved for taking innovative actions to achieve Health for All, amounting to the fact that this consultation is already a success before it has even happened.

In conclusion, the Government of Suriname again wishes to emphasize how honored and proud we are for having been chosen as a hosting location for this Regional Dialogue. On behalf of the Government of Suriname, we wish all participants a fruitful consultation and we are convinced that at the end of this consultation we will have closer alliances between all stakeholders involved, ensuring we are leaving no one behind on our journey to 90-90-90, our journey to Health for All.

Wishing you again a Fruitful Meeting, a great stay in Suriname and looking forward to having more PANCAP regional activities in Suriname

H.E. Patrick Pengel, Minister of Public Health, Suriname lauds Key Populations and Faith Leaders Dialogue

Wednesday, February 7 2018 (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, hosted H.E. Patrick Pengel, Minister of Public Health, Suriname at the opening of the Caribbean Regional Consultation of Key Populations and Religious Leaders on the Right to Health and Wellbeing for All in Paramaribo, Suriname, Wednesday, February 7.

In his feature address, His Excellency Patrick Pengel praised the initiative and stated that he was proud that Suriname is host to one of the first consultations between faith leaders and key populations in the Region. The key populations included sex workers, the LGBT community, the transgender community and youth.

“The Government of Suriname is honored that PANCAP brought this dialogue between Regional Faith Leaders and Regional Key Population Leaders to Suriname,” stated the Minister, “Suriname is known for its peaceful co-existence of a multi-ethnic, multi-religious population. It is our pride and our benchmark and will prove to be a fertile environment for this dialogue”.

He referred to the progress made in the world in the fight against HIV including the fact that 19.5 million people are reportedly now accessing anti-retroviral treatment but underscored that there are still another 17 million people left to access treatment.

The Minister posited “in Suriname, there are 2400 persons on treatment, this is a 60% increase from 2014 and the gap of persons still needing treatment is expected to swiftly decline as Suriname has officially committed to ‘Treat All’ on World AIDS Day 2017. However, there remains a gap of more than 40% of persons living with HIV in Suriname not accessing treatment. At least another 40% of persons living with HIV will be added to this number before this gap is sufficiently bridged”.

The Minister stated that the Region is progressing in eliminating Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV and Syphilis (EMTCT). He applauded the six Caribbean countries validated for EMTCT during the past World AIDS Day and stated that he is motivated by this achievement to work towards Suriname’s validation.

However, he warned that amidst these successes in the Caribbean, there are gaps that exist in access to treatment and prevention of HIV with regard to Men having Sex with Men, transgender, sex workers, youth at risk, women, elders, and persons who use drugs.

The Minister linked these gaps to the fear of stigma and discrimination by key populations. He stated, “Key populations are part of our communities. They are our brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, colleagues, sport team members, our fellow churchgoers, our fellow human beings, they are us. Key populations are part of our communities. They are religious, they live, love, work, and contribute to our societies.

We are aware of the challenges existing between religious teachings and non-alignment with certain behaviors. We are not here to deny that gap, to force alliance no matter what. But we do think compassion for all and the opportunity of consolation through religion is a basic human right”.

The Minister further posited, “Religion is often a fundamental part of the life of human beings, certainly in our Caribbean Region. Even more so in those that are marginalized and ill. In illness, even non-religious persons often seek closure and healing in faith.
Thus, it is even more important to have faith leaders included in the discussion on the prevention and care of HIV. Even more important to have faith leaders informed about the facts and the myths in HIV care. Even more important to have faith leaders supporting messages that advocate for health”.

The Minister concluded by endorsing the engagement between faith leaders and key populations for creating a positive environment for partnerships between stakeholders in order to bridge gaps in universal access to health in general and specifically gaps in HIV and AIDS health services. “The Government of Suriname wishes to emphasize how honored and proud we are for having been chosen as a hosting location for this Regional Dialogue”, stated the Minister, “We are convinced that at the end of this consultation we will have closer alliances between all stakeholders involved, ensuring we are leaving no one behind on our journey to 90-90-90 and the right to health for all”.

– ENDS –

What is PANCAP?

PANCAP is a Caribbean regional partnership of governments, regional civil society organizations, regional institutions and organizations, 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.

What are the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) 90-90-90 Targets?

• By 2020, 90% of all people living with HIV will know their HIV status.
• By 2020, 90% of all people with diagnosed HIV infection will receive sustained antiretroviral therapy.
• By 2020, 90% of all people receiving antiretroviral therapy will have viral suppression.

Contact:
Timothy Austin
Communications Specialist
PANCAP Coordinating Unit
CARICOM Secretariat
Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana
Email: taustin.consultant@caricom.org
Tel: (592) 222-0001-75, Ext. 3409 | Visit www.PANCAP.org

PAHO, Barbados and six Eastern Caribbean countries sign multi-country cooperation strategy for the next six years

Washington, DC, 2 February 2018 (PAHO/WHO) – High-level officials from Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines joined the Director of the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), Carissa F. Etienne, today in signing a new multicountry strategy for technical cooperation in health through 2024.

“This strategy is your vision of how PAHO/WHO can best support the work of your ministries of health in improving the health of their people,” Etienne told the Caribbean health leaders. “It is aligned with your countries’ national health policies, strategies and plans as well as with established Caribbean-wide health goals and the United Nations Multicountry Sustainable Development Framework for the Caribbean.”

The new strategy is the second agreement of its kind between PAHO and this group of countries. It focuses on achieving previously unmet goals while also addressing new challenges the countries face, including health sector reform required to respond to the needs of aging populations, the growing burden of noncommunicable diseases, and the health effects of climate change, among others.

The 2018-2024 Multi-country Cooperation Strategy for Barbados and Eastern Caribbean Countries is based on five strategic priorities: strengthening the countries’ health systems to advance universal health coverage and access; reducing deaths and illness from communicable diseases like HIV, tuberculosis and hepatitis B; achieving optimum family health throughout the life course; reducing the burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs); and strengthening preparedness and response to health emergencies and disasters while also reducing environmental threats and risks.

“We hope that the priorities defined in this strategy will provide the support you need in the coming years to continue to make your health systems more resilient and to ensure that you achieve universal access to health and universal health coverage, as well as your other national health goals,” said Etienne.

During the signing event, Dr. Godfrey Xuereb, PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean countries, noted that the strategy was developed through a consultative process involving all the countries and representatives from the public and private health sector, other government ministries, nongovernmental organizations, civil society and key development partners.

Present to sign the agreement at PAHO headquarters in Washington, D.C., were: Minister of Health and Environment of Dominica Kenneth Darroux; Minister for Health and Wellness of Saint Lucia Mary Isaac; Chief Medical Officer of Antigua and Barbuda Rhonda Sealey-Thomas; Chief Medical Officer of Grenada George Mitchell; Ambassador to the US and the Organization of American States (OAS) of Barbados Seldon Charles Hart; Ambassador to the US of St. Kitts and Nevis Thelma Phillip-Browne; and Alternate Representative to the US and the OAS of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Gareth Bynoe. Also attending the signing event was the Director General of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Secretariat Didacus Jules; and Ana Treasure, Head of PAHO’s Country and Subregional Coordination.

“PAHO/WHO looks forward to continue working with other agencies and institutions, such as the Caribbean Public Health Agency, the University of the West Indies and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States Secretariat, to improve the health of the Peoples of Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean,” Etienne said. The signing took place a day after Etienne assumed her second term as PAHO Director.

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The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) works with the countries of the Americas to improve the health and quality of life of its population. Founded in 1902, it is the world’s oldest international public health agency. It serves as the Regional Office of WHO for the Americas and is the specialized health agency of the Inter-American system.

CONTACTS:

Leticia Linn, linnl@paho.org, Tel. + 202 974 3440, Mobile +1 202 701 4005, Sebastián Oliel, oliels@paho.org, Tel. +202-974-3459, Mobile +1 202- 316 5679, Communications, PAHO/WHO – www.paho.org

Key Population and Faith Leaders to engage in dialogue on Reducing Stigma and Discrimination at Caribbean Regional Consultation on the Right to Health and Well being for all

Friday, February 2 2018 (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, in collaboration with the Regional Consultative Steering Committee for the Implementation of Recommendations to end AIDS by 2030 will convene the Caribbean Regional Consultation of Key Populations and Religious Leaders on the Right to Health and Wellbeing for All in Paramaribo, Suriname, February 7- 9, 2018.

The purpose of the consultation is to cultivate respectful and productive dialogue between faith leaders and key populations including sex workers, the LGBT community, the transgender community and other stakeholders. Forty participants will attend.

The three-day event will include highly interactive discussions on the gaps in the Treatment and Prevention of HIV with emphasis on access to data in order to address the prospects and requirements for achieving 90-90-90 targets by 2020; prevention gaps with special reference to public education and reducing stigma and discrimination faced by key populations.

The consultation will also seek to establish a mechanism for enhancing partnerships between the key populations and religious groups; articulate clearly the major determinants of stigma and discrimination and the requirements for the Partnership to remove these barriers. The promotion of a viable legislative environment with regard to human rights, human sexuality and human dignity will also engage the attention of participants.

According to Director of PANCAP, Mr Dereck Springer, “the consultation is the first of its kind, and is one of the 15 actionable recommendations stated in the Declaration of the PANCAP Consultation of Caribbean Religious Leaders held in Trinidad and Tobago, 1-2 February 2017”. The Director further explained that the joint forum will create an ideal space for faith leaders and key populations to discuss ways of collaborating to reduce AIDS-related stigma and discrimination.

Chair of the Regional Consultative Steering Committee for the Implementation of Recommendations to end AIDS by 2030, Canon Garth Minott underscored the critical need for religious leaders and representatives of key populations to share testimonies of their experiences in working with each other. He explained that the purpose is to identify models of collaborations or partnerships between these groups, which have positively benefitted People living with HIV and reduced AIDS-related discrimination.

The overarching purpose of the Consultation is to create a regional partnership between religious leaders and key populations to advocate, lobby and monitor regional governments to ensure they adhere to all international agreements that protect the right to health.

– ENDS –

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.

What are the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) 90-90-90 Targets?

Caribbean Strategy Meeting on Domestic and Innovative Financing for HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria

The following is a Call to Action which emanated from the three-day Caribbean Strategy Meeting on Domestic and Innovative Financing for HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria. The Developing Country NGO Delegation to the Global Fund Board (DCNGO) will convene a webinar with civil society organizations (CSOs) on the Call to Action on a date to be announced. Please bookmark the PANCAP Current and Upcoming Events page for the date and time.

Tremendous progress has been made in the response to HIV and AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in the Caribbean. An estimated 310, 000 persons are living with HIV with Jamaica (10%), Cuba (8%), Dominican Republic (22%), Haiti (48%) and the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago (4%) accounting for 92% of the total disease burden at the end of 2016. New infections among children 0-14 years decreased by 44% from 1800 in 2000 to fewer than 1000 in 2016 and 55% reduction in AIDS-related deaths from 21,000 in 2000 to 9400 in 2016. The number of people accessing ARVs doubled in the last seven years with access among expectant mothers increased to over 90%. Much of this progress is due, in large part, to increased investments by stakeholders, including the private sector and government, greater involvement of civil society, strengthening of health and community systems, and a more coordinated approach among stakeholders to improve the health and well-being of all persons, including key and vulnerable populations across the Region.

The Caribbean has relied heavily on donor funding over the years to finance its response to the three diseases. However, dwindling resources and heavy dependence on foreign assistance negatively impact the Region’s ability to meet SDGs and national targets which will reverse gains in the response if Caribbean leaders do not continue to increase domestic investments.

More resources are needed to finance, sustain and scale up programmes for prevention, treatment, care, support and human rights as well as for gender equality across the Region towards ending the three diseases. The situation requires that additional attention be placed on efficient use of resources, including utilization as well as exploring new revenue sources. Mobilizing resources domestically is critical to this thrust. It is an imperative we cannot ignore given our shared responsibilities to improve the health outcomes and quality of life of people in the Caribbean.

We, representatives from non-governmental organisations, academia and government, call upon our leaders to undertake the following in partnership with us and in keeping with the 2016 UN High-Level Political Declaration HIV, UNAIDS Fast Track Initiative, the 2017 Latin America & Caribbean Call to Action for the Acceleration of HIV, and the Caribbean Strategic Framework on HIV/AIDS:

1. Increase the allocation of national health budgets each year over the next three years to the HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria response in order to fill the funding gaps which arise as a result of the reduction in donor funding;

2. Scale-up prevention, treatment, care and support as well as human rights and gender equality programmes for HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria;

3. Acknowledge the value-added of partnership with civil society and community systems and Implement the WHO recommendations to strengthen and sustainably support civil society’s role in the response through mechanisms such as subventions, social contracting and other forms of technical assistance and support;

4. Explore innovative financing approaches for health where HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria are prioritized;

5. Establish a regional funding mechanism that can/will attract support to mobilize, manage and disburse funds for country-level initiatives for the three diseases, including the strengthening of health and community systems and improvement of the human rights situation in countries;

6. Accelerate and/or strengthen the integration of the HIV response into primary health care to encourage better health-seeking behaviours and make services more accessible;

7. Minimize out of pocket payments (OPP) for medical expenses by accelerating, introducing and strengthening commitments to universal health coverage (UHC); introducing and/or strengthening National Health Insurance Schemes and include HIV services in the minimum package of services;

8. Honor commitments to implement activities per treaties and agreements related to the protection and promotion of human rights in partnership with civil society;

9. Engage development partners around the impact of upper middle-income country status on the availability and accessibility of donor funding as well as cost of services and commodities and advocate for the development and use of other criteria to determine eligibility for funding; and

10. Reaffirm commitments to SDG targets of increasing health financing while ending AIDS, TB and Malaria by 2030, towards meeting SDG targets and to ensure healthy lives and promoting well-being for all across the life cycle.