By 2015, the majority of children born in the Caribbean will be free of HIV and syphilis. This is the major objective of an initiative for the elimination of vertical (mother-to-child) transmission of HIV and syphilis in the region.The initiative, which involves the health sectors of the broader Caribbean (English,Gerard Pique Jersey, Dutch,Mike Pouncey Dolphins Jersey, French,Adidas Dante Fabbro Jersey, and Spanish- speaking countries) is being coordinated jointly by PAHO and UNICEF,Mike Alstott Buccaneers Jersey, with support from UNAIDS, UNFPA and other UN agencies, as well as the CARICOM Secretariat.A technical working group (TWG) comprising the major partners and technical experts which would spearhead the intervention met over the past two days from Thursday in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad.The TWG reviewed a concept paper which included the specific targets of the intervention, and identified an action plan involving all the key stakeholders.The intention is to reduce, by 2015, the incidence of mother-to-child transmission of HIV in the Caribbean to three cases for every 1000 live births or less; the vertical transmission of HIV to two per cent or less, and congenital syphilis to five cases per 1000 live births or less.At the moment, the Caribbean has the second highest burden of HIV infection in the world,http://www.cheapcustomjerseys.us.com/Soccer-Country/Brazil/, and mother-to-child transmission of HIV constitutes about 8 – 10% of all HIV transmissions in the Caribbean. The American region has about four cases of syphilis for every 1000 pregnant women.PAHO’s HIV activities in the Caribbean are being coordinated by the PAHO HIV Caribbean Office (PHCO) which is located in Trinidad.The PHCO was established to rationalise, coordinate and manage the delivery of technical cooperation in HIV in the broader Caribbean.PHCO Head, Dr. Amalia Del Riego, commenting on the initiative,Eliaquim Mangala Jersey, said: “The Caribbean has been a pioneer in eliminating measles and polio. We have the technical capacity,http://www.theworldsoccersshop.com/Portugal-Ricardo-Carvalho-Jersey.html, political will and the desire to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis.“We believe that,Joe Maguire Liverpool Jersey UK, once again,Brian Urlacher Bears Throwback Jersey, the Caribbean will lead the developing world in an important health initiative that will have an extremely positive impact on the health status of this and future generations.” |