PHILIPSBURG:--- Increased access to antiretroviral treatment has changed the face of the HIV epidemic in Latin America and the Caribbean, helping tens of thousands of people to live longer and healthier lives while also helping prevent HIV transmission between sexual partners and from mothers to infants.
President of Parliament Hon. Drs. Rodolphe Samuel, commends the St. Maarten AIDS Foundation for all its efforts and initiatives that have been implemented since the organization was established back in 1990.
The President's commendation comes after the world celebrated World AIDS Day on 1 December.
The foundation was established to promote awareness among the general population about the existence and risks of HIV, AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Diseases.
Other areas of foundations responsibility are to prevent HIV infection in the community via educational programs; to prevent and reduce the possible negative social, economic and/or personal consequences of the HIV/AIDS epidemic; and to assist with the care and support for Persons Living with HIV and AIDS.
Between 2011-2015, World AIDS Days will have the theme of "Getting to zero: zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS related deaths."
"I support the new world Zero AIDS campaign which signifies a push towards greater access to treatment for all, also for Governments to fulfill their role. Every country, government and members of a community have a role to play in getting to zero," President of Parliament Hon. Drs. Rodolphe Samuel said on Sunday.
Latin America and the Caribbean have the highest level of antiretroviral treatment coverage of any mid-low income region in the world, with an estimated 68 per cent of people who need treatment receiving it in Latin America, and 67 per cent in the Caribbean.
The region has also made great progress in preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV. The number of children born with HIV has declined 32 per cent in the Caribbean since 2001, and 24 per cent in Latin America, according to World Health Organization figures.