HIV Commission marks 25 years, seeks new partners

In a bid to promote wellness, change behaviours and reduce the stigma surrounding HIV, the National Wellbeing and HIV Commission is seeking to expand its network of partners to better serve vulnerable groups.

Acting Director Kim Bobb-Waithe said the agency works with civil society organisations and community gatekeepers to reach key populations, noting that additional partnerships would increase its reach.

“We recognise that there may be other agencies already on the ground and in the field, and we would like to collaborate with them as it relates to reaching their key populations and where they deliver their usual programmes. So, definitely, more partners are needed in the process of spreading the word, especially since we’ve now engaged the wellbeing mandate and are taking a holistic approach to addressing issues within society,” she said.

Bobb-Waithe noted that the commission was receiving more requests for its Man Aware and Sister Speaks programmes, which, among other things, educate individuals on safe sex practices and HIV.

“In terms of changing behaviours, what we recognise is that, because we are making the education accessible to persons wherever we go, they are asking more and more for us to come in and do more education. So people are definitely welcoming the education that will help guide them and sensitise them in terms of better behavioural practices,” she said.

The commission representative made the comments as the National Wellbeing and HIV Commission, under the auspices of the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, marked its silver anniversary at the Kingdom Empowerment New Testament Church of God, Cottage Land, St George, on Sunday.

Lauding the commission’s work over its 25 years in improving the lives of persons living with HIV and strengthening the national response, Minister Adrian Forde said challenges remain and stressed the need for increased partnerships.

“The commission continues to confront issues such as partner attrition, HIV fatigue, competing social priorities and the persistent realities of stigma and discrimination in all their forms,” he said.

He said that while the department remains committed to protecting the rights and dignity of all persons, the government cannot achieve these ambitious goals alone.

“Sustained collaboration among the private sector, civil society organisations, faith-based institutions, community groups, and citizens will remain essential in building healthier, safer and more resilient communities while ensuring support for those most in need,” the minister added.