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Contacts:
Lee Morrison (202) 458-8741
Lmorrison1@worldbank.org
Alejandra Viveros (202)-473-4306
Aviveros@worldbank.org
For more information about this project,
please visit:
http://www4.worldbank.org/
WASHINGTON, June 27, 2003 - The World Bank yesterday approved
a $20 million loan aimed at reducing HIV
infections and providing treatment and care
for people infected with HIV/AIDS in
Trinidad and Tobago.
The HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Project supports the
Government of Trinidad and Tobago’s
strategy to curb the spread of new HIV
infections and provide treatment and care
for those living with HIV/AIDS or who are
affected by the disease. Financing from the
loan will support the Government’s efforts
to reduce the morbidity and mortality
attributed to HIV/AIDS, increase the quality
of life of people living with the disease,
and strengthen the country’s institutional
capacity for managing HIV/AIDS prevention,
surveillance, and monitoring activities.
“Reducing the transmission of HIV/AIDS and providing treatment
and care for those affected by the disease
is critical for securing the future of
Trinidad and Tobago’s social and economic
welfare”, said Caroline Anstey, the
World Bank’s Director for the Caribbean.
“This loan supports the Government of
Trinidad and Tobago’s goal to expand
access to HIV/AIDS prevention care and
treatment for all citizens, especially
those who are most vulnerable to acquiring
the disease. “
To prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS, financing from the project will
be used to promote safe sexual practices
through an education and awareness
communications program, distribute condoms,
and expand access to HIV/AIDS testing and
counseling services. In addition, the
project will also support the country’s
Mother-to-Child Transmission (MTCT) program,
and further safeguard blood bank and
transfusion practices.
Financing
from the loan will support antiretroviral
treatment, home care, and nutritional
services for people living with HIV/AIDS.
The project will also include rights and
legal protections of people living with
HIV/AIDS by classifying the disease as a
chronic and treatable condition. What’s
more, the reform of regulations governing
confidentiality, notification, and access
will improve practices governing
detection, diagnosis and treatment of
HIV/AIDS.
“Through project interventions, the incidence of HIV will be
cut in half, the number of
active HIV/AIDS cases will decrease by 10%,
and the life of those living with the
disease will be extended,” said Patricio
Marquez, the World Bank’s Lead Health
Specialist for Latin America and the
Caribbean.
HIV prevalence in Trinidad and Tobago is currently estimated at
2.0-2.5% of the total population. The
potential economic impact of HIV/AIDS
including lost savings, investment, labor
supply, employment, and a rise on health
care expenditures could amount to 5% of
Trinidad and Tobago’s GDP by 2007.
Trinidad and Tobago is the sixth country to draw from the World
Bank’s $155 million Multi-Country HIV/AIDS
Prevention and Control Adaptable Program
Lending. Other countries participating in
the MAP program include the Dominican
Republic, Barbados, Jamaica, Grenada, and
St. Kitts and Nevis.
This
single-currency, fixed spread loan has a
repayment period of 15 years, including 5
years of grace. The total project cost
is $25 million.
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