PAHO/WHO donates HIV supplies to Ministry of Health

The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization has strengthened Trinidad and Tobago’s HIV response with a donation of testing and treatment supplies valued at over TT$278,000 (approximately USD 41,000) to the Ministry of Health.

The handover took place in Port-of-Spain on Thursday and forms part of ongoing efforts to improve care for people living with advanced HIV disease.

The supplies were formally presented by PAHO/WHO Representative for Trinidad and Tobago and the Dutch Caribbean Islands, Gabriel Vivas Francesconi, to Minister of Health Lackram Bodoe.

Francesconi said early diagnosis and timely treatment remain critical to reducing complications and improving survival among patients with advanced HIV.

Bodoe welcomed the donation and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to achieving national and global HIV targets.

The supplies were provided under the Unitaid-funded Advanced HIV Disease Project, administered by PAHO/WHO, aimed at strengthening health systems to detect and manage opportunistic infections.

These include tuberculosis and cryptococcal meningitis, which continue to pose serious risks for people with weakened immune systems.

Officials said the initiative will enhance diagnostic capacity and improve access to essential treatments across public health facilities.

The donation aligns with PAHO/WHO’s Elimination Initiative, which seeks to end HIV as a public health threat by 2030.

It also encourages countries to integrate advanced HIV supplies into routine health systems to ensure sustained availability at an affordable cost.

PAHO/WHO reiterated its commitment to working with national authorities to expand access to quality care and improve health outcomes for all citizens affected by HIV.

Trinidad and Tobago continues to address HIV as a significant public health challenge, with ongoing efforts focused on prevention, testing, and treatment expansion across communities.

Weeks ahead, health officials are expected to continue collaborating with regional and international partners to strengthen surveillance systems and improve patient outcomes nationwide.

Officials also highlighted the importance of sustained investment in laboratory capacity, community outreach programmes, and public education campaigns to reduce stigma and encourage early testing and treatment uptake among vulnerable populations throughout the country.

The initiative reflects ongoing commitment to achieving regional health security and equitable access to care services.