AIDS Commission supports community groups
AIDS: it’s a story that’s been with us since 1986 and shows no signs of moving off the front page. Today, those leading the charge against the deadly disease took their campaign to the city. Jacqueline Woods was there.
Jacqueline Woods, Reporting
Last April the National AIDS Commission embarked on a nationwide consultation to establish district community groups that would commit themselves to help fight the AIDS epidemic. Today, the N.A.C. completed its tour, meeting with concerned members from the Belize District.
Martha Carrillo, Co-ordinator, Nat’l AIDS Commission
“We know that the best practice across the world is showing us that communities coming together to respond and communities taking responsibility for what is happening with their people, with their friends, with their neighbours, with their community members is very effective.”
Since 1986, the disease has killed three hundred and five people in Belize. Thirty-one of those victims died in 2001. Presently there are two thousand and thirty three people reported to be living with HIV and seventy-two persons have AIDS.
Martha Carrillo
“Belize is being threatened by a major epidemic and the only way we will be able to succeed over it if we come together as a community. If we have a multi-sectoral response to one, taking the message out there about prevention awareness, education, sharing of information and also coming together to offer support to those who are living with HIV and their family members that are being affected.”
N.A.C.’s Chairperson, Minister Dolores Balderamos Garcia, says she believes that the commission is beginning to develop the policies needed to give support and provide the treatment and care for HIV and AIDS patients.
Min. Dolores Balderamos Garcia, Chairperson, N.A.C.
“Belize has now submitted it’s first proposal to the global fund that was created after the special session that of the United Nations last year. We’re seeking in the vicinity of seven million. I really don’t know if we’ll get all of it, but I do know that that submission in being positively considered and by May of this year we should hear something. I’m also very encouraged that the Ministry of Health has announced that it has earmarked a certain amount of money. I’m not sure the exact amount, but it’s in the vicinity of a million dollars in order to beef up, if you want to put it that way, the National AIDS Programme.”
Jacqueline Woods reporting for News 5.
As a result of the nationwide consultations, the National AIDS Commission has established community response groups in all districts including branches in Belmopan and San Pedro.
