GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) — A pivotal regional workshop titled “Connecting Communities with HIV Science for Accelerated Action” is set to take place in Trinidad and Tobago on Monday and Tuesday, aimed at enhancing the intersection of cutting-edge HIV research and community service delivery.
This initiative, spearheaded by the International AIDS Society (IAS) in partnership with the Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP), along with support from The Global Fund, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), and Plataforma LAC, seeks to create a dynamic dialogue among various stakeholders involved in HIV health and social services.
The workshop will gather a diverse group of participants, including healthcare professionals, community advocates, youth leaders, researchers, government officials, and policymakers, to discuss effective strategies for integrating scientific findings into practical HIV service delivery.
Dr. Wendy Telgt-Emanuelson, the director of the PANCAP Coordinating Unit at the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Secretariat, emphasized the importance of this gathering. “Our mission is to formulate a strategic plan that aligns the latest advancements in HIV research with our community services. The insights gained from the recent AIDS 2024 conference provide crucial data that must inform our actions. We cannot allow our region to lag behind in this global health crisis. This workshop will empower our stakeholders to utilize this evidence to craft innovative solutions addressing the unique challenges we face in HIV service delivery,” she stated.
The agenda for the workshop includes an exploration of key takeaways from the AIDS 2024 conference and their relevance to the Caribbean context. Participants will work on translating scientific insights into actionable strategies, ensuring that individuals living with HIV have access to a comprehensive range of services.
In addition, the workshop will tackle critical issues such as stigma and discrimination related to HIV, with an emphasis on normalizing services and integrating various healthcare needs.
By bringing together essential players in the fight against HIV, this workshop aims to foster the development and implementation of policies and strategies that enhance health service delivery. It seeks to ensure that these services reflect the latest scientific evidence and are tailored to meet the specific needs of Caribbean communities.
