Philipsburg:---The region has a genuine multi-sector approach to the fight against HIV," Managing Director of Windward Islands Airways International N.V. (WIN AIR), Edwin Hodge has said adding that he is very confident that the battle against the disease can and will be won.
In a press release to mark World AIDS Day, Hodge said even though the various islands Health Ministries takes the lead in confronting HIV, "the people of the region should feel a sense of pride that as a region they have succeeded in crafting a strategy in which various sectors are playing significant roles and civic society is a major participant.
As a result of this I am confident that continued success will be achieved," Hodge said.
Even as the regional focus remains on the ‘Keep the Promise' campaign, leadership is also important, he warned, adding that the governments of the Caribbean has shown both commitment and willingness to invest in putting together programmes for HIV prevention and control.
Hodge also commented that the issue of stigma and discrimination will also have to be address do as to make the issue of tackling the disease simpler and less problematic. He pointed out that in many of the Caribbean islands there have seen "unprecedented cooperation from the respective political parties" and impressive leadership from the private sector and from faith-based groups on the issue.
"I urge that NGO's working in the various islands to get on board and for those also among the private sector that are on board I wish them success and also to express thanks and appreciation for what they have been doing," Hodge noted.
Addressing the issue of partnership the WIN AIR MD said that the growing partnership in tackling the infection now includes providing social support to families affected by HIV. Hodge suggested that the various Government Ministries in the respective islands should consider implement what he dubbed as voucher programme. He noted that should this suggestion be executed it should be done so in collaboration with the various Ministries of Social Services.
Hodge also called on the private sector to get act9ively involve noting that they can contribute to the upgrading of orphanages and other facilities that house children in their respective country. "With the private sector getting on board to support their respective governments whether in cash or kind it will send the appropriate message that states that more is being done to eradicate this dilemma which unfortunately has seen the region not properly recovering from the impact of HIVAIDS," Hodge argued.
Agreeing that there is a lot that the region can and should be proud of he believes that there are still more that can be done. As such, he noted that there should ever be any celebration as much more needs to be accomplished. Hodge expressed his desire that the region will come together and thus being able to genuinely commit to fulfilling the goals set for 2009.
He also pointed out that a critical factor for an effective response to the disease centers around leadership noting that it is very essential.
Hodge declared that persons living with and affected by HIV and AIDS should take up the leadership role in the fight against the disease. He said person living with the disease are increasingly creating changes through advocacy. "The time is over when persons who are disadvantaged think they don't have power," he added.
WIN AIR and NAGICO Insurances recently agreed to execute a project this month which is geared towards sensitizing and educating the traveling public on stigma and discrimination. The project which will be executed in WIN Air's twelve destinations will be done on the flights. The airline' Managing Director said that he will announce details of the project shortly.
