Gender Equality and HIV Resource Persons and Agencies

4. Scaling up HIV management and emphasis on care and support.
5. Improved management of STIs.
6. Continued capacity building for stakeholders on monitoring and evaluation
through widespread training and use of technical assistance.
7. Increased dissemination and utilization of data for programme planning and
understanding the epidemic.
8. Improved understanding of the context of stigma and discrimination through
national surveys; expansion of the system for reporting and redress to reduce
stigma and discrimination in all settings.
9. Increased advocacy among high level leadership for improved socioeconomic
policy initiatives and legislative changes to reduce vulnerability to HIV
including policy development in various sectors; and
10. Strengthen partnerships and communication mechanisms with key
stakeholders in the national response.
Jamaica, like other countries, is concerned about the potential impact of the global
financial crisis on the sustainability of its national response to HIV. In particular, there
are concerns about the ability of the Ministry of Health to meet its responsibilities as
part of the national HIV response to not only achieve the universal access targets,
but also to sustain gains already achieved and maximize the efficiency and benefits
of current and future investments. Currently, the National HIV/STI Programme (NHP)
is largely funded by a US$40 million grant from the Global Fund supported project
2008 – 2013. Other funding sources include the Government of Jamaica, a World
Bank Loan and a USAID Grant. Funding has also been made available from the
European Union (EU)/ UN Women, CHAI, Pan American Health Organization/
World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre
(CAREC), UNAIDS, UNFPA and UNICEF.
Dr. Nicola Skyers
Director, The National HIV/STI Programme, Jamaica
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