Caribbean faith leaders met in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, on 1 and 2 February to determine how they can support the Sustainable Development Goal agenda to end AIDS. The 55 faith leaders from 14 Caribbean countries representing the Bahá'í, Christian, Hindu, Muslim and Voodoo faiths were joined by regional and international development partners, including UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director Luiz Loures.
The faith leaders agreed on a set of recommendations, including offering leadership in support of achieving the 90–90–90 targets—whereby 90% of people living with HIV know their HIV status, 90% of people who know their HIV-positive status are accessing treatment and 90% of people on treatment have suppressed viral loads—and addressing violence against women and girls. Other recommendations include engagement between representatives of religious organizations and key populations, including men who have sex with men, sex workers and people who use drugs.
While religious organizations have long contributed to the Caribbean AIDS response, the consultation aimed to increase knowledge and coordination, while rallying the region around the goal of ending the AIDS epidemic. However, the meeting heard that challenges surrounding stigma, discrimination, prevention and access to services remain.
The consultation, which was organized by a regional Faith Leader Planning Committee with support from the Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS, culminated with an endorsement of the United Nations Political Declaration on Ending AIDS and a road map to deepen their partnerships and capacity.
“As faith leaders, you have a powerful impact on the way communities think and act. Your work to address stigma and discrimination in the wider community is critical. As you have affirmed during this consultation, HIV is a virus, not a moral judgement.”
Luiz Loures UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director
“Through the Political Declaration on Ending AIDS, the world has a road map for delivering on the Sustainable Development Goals commitment to end AIDS by 2030. We have the tools required to end the epidemic but only a small window of opportunity to act. Now more than ever we need the faith community on board.”
Edward Greene United Nations-Secretary General’s Special Envoy for AIDS in the Caribbean
“As members of faith communities, notwithstanding our differences, we have a common position that allows us to engage in discussions about faith, justice, love and peace, mindful that we are one family under God.”
Garth Minott Head of the Planning Committee of Religious Leaders and the Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS
“Faith organizations are a vital part of civil society. They often reach out to vulnerable populations and they engage in peer education, community outreach, provide referrals for HIV testing and offer psychosocial support. When one of my relatives was diagnosed with HIV, it was our faith-based community in Tobago that helped us offer him support and gave him the motivation to live his life.”
Ayanna Webster-Roy Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister
“No Caribbean person should have AIDS.”
Clive Landis Deputy Principal, University of the West Indies
