Missing the Target #5: Improving AIDS Drug Access ... - CD8 T cells

BELIZERecommendationsThe following recommendations are geared toward improving the short- and longtermsituation in regard to access to treatment and other HIV-related services inBelize.The MoH’s Planning Unit should address long–term tracking of humanresources needs in HIV/AIDS and the health system overall. This canbe assisted by implementing and/or upgrading computer systems toensure more efficient planning and to better track health service deliverydemands.There is a need to identify monitoring options to test the quality ofdonated drugs. This should be a coordinated effort of the health andforeign trade ministries, with a goal of expanding the capabilities of Belizein monitoring medication quality.There is a need to identify and design a proactive plan internally andexternally to reduce stigma and discrimination so as to improve access totreatment for marginalized groups and for HIV-positive people in general.This effort must include a human rights agenda that is proactive andconstructive. It should implement such a plan in consultation with partnersincluding the Belize Family Life Association, the Pan American SocialMarketing Organization (PASMO), United Belize Advocacy Movement(UNIBAM), and the media and affected populations directly.The National AIDS Commission in consultation with the MOH needs todevelop a plan to ensure a sustainable supply of ARVs after the GlobalFund grant ends in 2009. This plan should also take into account thelikelihood that demand for treatment and care services will continue toincrease. Mapping exercises can help establish reasonable estimates forboth demand and supply.66