Caribbean will not retreat in HIV fight, says PANCAP director

As the world marks World AIDS Day on December 1, the Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP) is issuing a firm message of resilience amid mounting global funding pressures.

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Dr Wendy Telgt Emanuelson, Director of the PANCAP Coordinating Unit (PCU), said the Caribbean remains united under this year’s theme, “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response.” In a statement issued ahead of World AIDS Day, she warned that financial cutbacks pose one of the most significant challenges to the regional HIV response in decades — but made it clear that the region’s determination remains unshaken.

“Our resolve has not been shaken; it has been steeled,” she said. “We will not retreat, we will not surrender the gains achieved, and we will continue to fight for an AIDS-free Caribbean.”

Dr Emanuelson described the funding crisis as a direct threat to vital treatment and prevention programmes, stressing that the projected shortfall could impact access to life-saving medicines, youth-focused prevention efforts, and community-driven initiatives that have been central to the region’s progress.

Despite the setbacks, she said the Caribbean has a long history of weathering adversity and emerging stronger. She pointed to progress already made toward the 95-95-95 targets and landmark achievements, including several Caribbean countries eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

“This progress… is a foundation we will not allow to crumble but will continue to build on,” she said, noting that the region is now pushing for a more efficient, integrated and sustainable HIV response.

Dr Emanuelson highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen supply chains, empower community leadership, and maximise every available resource. She also thanked health workers, civil society, regional partners and people living with HIV for their continued commitment.

To those affected, she offered reassurance: “We see you, we stand with you, and we reaffirm our promise: you are not alone.”

Her message closed with a vow that the Caribbean will not lose ground in its decades-long fight.

“We will not go back. We will not surrender the gains for which we have fought so hard,” she said. “Together, we will overcome this disruption, transform our response, and realise an AIDS-free Caribbean for generations to come.”