Caribbean Leader To Ask CARICOM To Contribute Toward $50M Initiative To Fight HIV/AIDS

St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Denzil Douglas, a physician who also is responsible for heath concerns in the Caribbean Community, announced recently that he plans to ask CARICOM to contribute to a $50 million initiative to combat HIV/AIDS in the region during the next five years, the Miami Herald reports. The Caribbean region has the second-highest HIV/AIDS prevalence in the world, after sub-Saharan Africa. The funding is needed for the Pan Caribbean Partnership Against HIV/AIDS to reach goals regarding HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, care and support by 2010, Douglas said. He added that he is seeking funding from other sources -- such as the Global Fund To Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and the U.S. government. According to the Herald, the Caribbean "has made considerable progress" in reducing mother-to-child HIV transmission, curbing new cases and increasing the percentage of people who are living longer with the virus. Douglas said, "Given ... the devastation and how HIV/AIDS can in fact prevent the continued development of the Caribbean people, I am sure that my governments will understand" (Charles, Miami Herald, 7/3).