The Tribune

TODAY, American and Bahamian officials will attend the official launch of the Caribbean Grant Solicitation and Management Programme, a new President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief initiative.

Executed locally by the US based non-profit World Learning, through USAID, the event is expected to attended by the US Charg� d’Affaires John Dinkelman and Minister of Health Dr Perry Gomez, along with representatives from PEPFAR, USAID, World Learning, UNAIDS, and the Pan-American Health Association (PAHO).

Local HIV/AIDS organisations that have been identified by PEPFAR will receive training from World Learning in an effort to support their long-term success.

The President’s Fund for AIDS Relief is a worldwide programme launched in 2003 to reduce the incidence and limit the spread of HIV/AIDS, while also assisting those who have contracted the disease.

PEPFAR represents the largest commitment in history made by a nation to a single disease.

Worldwide, the PEPFAR programme has treated more than four million HIV-infected persons, provided care for over 13 million men and women, and provided counselling and testing for over 40 million people.

The PEPFAR Caribbean Regional HIV/AIDS Partnership Framework is a five-year strategy that is based on the HIV/AIDS National Strategic Plans of 12 governments.

The PEPFAR programme in the Bahamas provides technical assistance in the thematic areas of prevention, strategic information, laboratory strengthening and health systems strengthening.

The meeting is scheduled to take place at 9am at the British Colonial Hilton Hotel.