§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement592W On the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean and the support the UK is providing to local health organisations there. [137737]
§ Clare ShortRecent reports indicate that HIV prevalence in the Caribbean is now second only to sub-Saharan Africa. The Caribbean also has the highest AIDS incidence rate in the Americas. HIV/AIDS is already the leading cause of death in the 15-44 age group within the region.
We are supporting the work of the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC) in its response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. We are funding the second phase (£713,564) of a project aimed at the Prevention and Control of AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Diseases. This focuses on strengthening the management of public health information strategies for HIV/AIDS, cost-effective STD/HIV/AIDS case management, and improved surveillance systems for STDs and HIV/AIDS within Caribbean countries.
We are currently examining what further support should be provided to a CARICOM-sponsored regional plan of action for tackling HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean, as presented at a regional conference held in Barbados in September.