Tuesday, April 11, 2006

by Ivan Cairo
Caribbean Net News Suriname Correspondent
Email: ivan@caribbeannetnews.com

PARAMARIBO, Suriname: The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is to assist Suriname in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Last week, Suriname’s Health Minister, Celsius Waterberg, signed an agreement with IDB representative Pablo Adams to release a grant of US$750,000 for the National AIDS Programme (NAP).

At the signing ceremony, which took place in his office, the minister announced the funds will also be used for a technical exchange program with Brazil to enhance services for those with HIV/AIDS. The Surinamese government will contribute an additional US$190,000.

The programme aims to eliminate stigmatization of HIV positive people and those living with AIDS.

The IDB funding will allow the ministry to implement more effective campaigns to prevent and reduce transmission of the virus to those most at risk. The campaign will also encourage consistency in using universal precautions among medical personnel which significantly reduces the risk of HIV transmission among healthcare workers.

According to acting Permanent Health Secretary Martelisse Kloof-Eersel, the NAP is collaborating with other health institutions to develop a strong healthcare infrastructure and realize the vision of the ministry which is: “Health for Everyone”.

Sonja Caffe, Project-coordinator of the HIV/AIDS Global Fund stressed that cooperation with the IDB in the short and long term will have huge benefits for Suriname’s health system.

  Most popular articles: viewed, printed and e-mailed

  Printable version