|
The units/departments that make up The National HIV/STI Control Programme are:
The Behavior Change Communication component focuses on controlling the spread of HIV/AIDS among high-risk groups and
the wider population by promoting safer sexual behavior. BCC strategies include mass media campaigns, development of
educational material, peer education programmes, targeted community interventions, condom promotion, the reduction of stigma
and discrimination of persons infected and affected by HIV/AIDS, counseling and testing.
Research
This unit seeks to conduct high quality research in the field of HIV/STI. The results are used to guide policy planning
and development of the national response to HIV/AIDS and STIs. Research areas include behavioral, epidemiological,
operational research and clinical trends.
Laboratory Services
The National Blood Transfusion Service (Blood Bank) is responsible for supplying the country’s health care facilities with
safe, uninfected blood and blood related products. The National Public Health Laboratory is the government’s laboratory to
rpovide accurate health information.
Reducing HIV Transmission
This component supports activities seeking to prevent the transmission of
HIV in those population groups that are most at risk to become infected or to
transmit infection. In Jamaica, these include commercial sex workers (10-20%
prevalence); men who have sex with other men (25% prevalence), prison
inmates (12% prevalence) and persons with past exposure to sexually
transmitted infections (6% prevalence).
Treatment, Care and Support
The component is designed to improve the quality and length of life for Persons
Living with HIV/AIDS. It also aims to provide voluntary counselling, same-da
HIV testing (Rapid Test) and supportive interventions to reduce mother-to-child
transmission of HIV.
Capacity Building
This component is designed to improve the technical, managerial and
implementation capacity of key players involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Support will be directed at strengthening the
blood bank system to continue to provide safe blood, improving the National Public Health Laboratory’s capability and
efficiency, strengthening surveillance systems and expanding the monitoring and evaluation capability.
Policy and Planning
The objective of this component is to create the conditions for a more open, tolerant and supportive society regarding
HIV/AIDS issues and the rights of People Living with HIV/AIDS. While the development of a national policy and legal
framework is central to this component, the treatment of Persons Living with HIV/AIDS in their communities and families
is also a matter of priority. Reducing stigma and discrimination and creating a supportive environment for those infected
or affected by the virus.
HIV/STI Surveillance
The National Programme’s Surveillance Unit monitors the country’s HIV/AIDS prevalence rate through routine testing among
selected groups of antenatal and STI clinic attenders. These groups are selected based on epidemiological evidence of
STI/HIV risks.
|
