THE EXPANDED RESPONSE TO HIV/AIDS

AIDS is the greatest plague of the modern era. In less than twenty years, this pandemic has already claimed the lives of more than 20 million men, women and children worldwide. In Barbados, it is estimated that once every three days someone dies as a result of an AIDS-related illness. Our island is beginning to feel the impact of this disease as it has started to erode the developmental gains which we have accomplished over the past three decades.

In an effort to meet the challenges posed by this pandemic, Barbados is mounting a coordinated expanded response involving the governmental, non-governmental and wider private sector communities. It will see these entities coming together to form strategic partnerships to fight the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Prevention will be the hallmark of the expanded response and it will be delivered through a sustained and coordinated information, education and communication campaign involving all Ministries.