Civil society organisations play a critical role in the AIDS response, including facilitating access to HIV prevention and treatment services. The Medical Research Foundation (MRF), based in Trinidad & Tobago, is a perfect example of this. With 5,202 people in care, MRF serves more than 70% of all people living with HIV in the country and has the distinction of being the largest non-governmental HIV treatment and care clinic in the English-speaking Caribbean. It is also increasingly recognised as a model demonstrating excellence in HIV care and service delivery, grounded in strong clinical outcomes, robust data systems, and patient-centered innovation.

Through its coordinated and patient-centered approach to treatment and care, MRF is helping thousands of people living with HIV achieve improved health outcomes, including viral suppression and undetectable status.

At the end of June 2025, its treatment programme reflected strong performance across the continuum of care. Of 5,146 clients retained on treatment, 5,000 received a viral load test in the past 12 months—an extraordinary 97% coverage—and 4,733 were virally suppressed, achieving the global 95% target. By September 2025, there were 5,202 individuals receiving ART at MRF, of whom 4,822 (95%) achieved viral suppression and 4,107 (79%) were undetectable. These outcomes reflect the sustained impact of adherence support, treatment counselling, and continuous clinical follow-up.

Equally notable is the decline in treatment interruptions, a key measure of programme retention. Through community engagement, adherence support, and proactive follow-up strategies, interruptions steadily decreased from 446 to 246 between 2024 and 2025.

MRF credits its dedicated staff and partners, including the Ministry of Health and PEPFAR/CDC, for the success of its treatment and care programme. According to Nyla Lyons, MRF’s Technical and Scientific Director, “MRF’s success is a powerful reminder that coordinated partnerships, patient-focused interventions, and strong monitoring systems can achieve extraordinary health outcomes for people living with HIV. We are demonstrating how data-driven, patient-centred care can turn what was once a public health challenge into a story of hope, resilience, and success.”

These achievements highlight MRF’s critical role as a bridge between government services, civil society, and international partners, ensuring uninterrupted, high-quality care for people living with HIV. The combination of high viral suppression rates, sustained retention, and declining treatment interruptions underscores a model of care that is both effective and scalable. Sustaining and building on these gains will require continued investment, commitment, and innovation, which MRF is well-positioned to lead as it continues to demonstrate excellence in HIV care and service delivery in the Caribbean.

"MRF's partnership with the Ministry of Health is an example of the kinds of collaboration between government and civil society, including communities, that are essential for achieving and sustaining public health outcomes,” said Luisa Cabal, UNAIDs Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean. “The Global AIDS Strategy 2026-2031 endorses and places strong emphasis on the important role these partnerships play in the HIV response. UNAIDS commends MRF on the work they have been doing and their impressive achievements last year."