UK reviews local AIDS policy

(CNS): The UK Department for International Development (DFID) is undertaking a review of policies and legislation in its six Caribbean Overseas Territories, including the Cayman Islands to determine how these influence stigma and discrimination against people with HIV/AIDS. The review will also examine treatment and prevention procedures.

Dr Jeff Cumberbatch, the AIDS consultant recently visited Cayman and met with HSA officials in preparation for the Cayman Islands’ participate in the regional study. Over the next two months, Dr Cumberbatch will review policy to determine how it influences stigma and discrimination against people with HIV/AIDS.

The analysis will specifically look at the atmosphere in which a country responds to HIV/AIDS and will identify legal and socioeconomic issues that have a significant impact on HIV-related stigma and discrimination. I

t will also compare local preventative and treatment procedures with international best practice. 

“We welcome this opportunity for an independent review of our HIV/AIDS policies and look forward to implementing any recommendations necessary to improve our policy or legislative framework,” said Chief Officer of Health Diane Montoya.

The study project is part of DFID’s support to the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC), which in turn provides planning and technical assistance to Caribbean OTs in taking action against HIV/AIDS.