UNAIDS is inviting the Caribbean to make submissions to the post-2015 global development agenda concerning three connected themes in the fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic, for an e-consultation planned for February 3.
In a press release UNAIDS said since the turn of the century the Millennium Development Goals have guided efforts surrounding the eradication of poverty, diseases, gender inequalities and environmental crises.
The goals will have reached their target date in two years time. As such, the international community is currently in the process of negotiating the global development agenda to be put in place after the deadline in order to capture the perspectives on how HIV and health should be reflected in the period after 2015.
The e-consultation, which is open to all people, will focus on three connected themes: how the HIV epidemic and response remain relevant to the post-2015 agenda; how principles and practices forged in the AIDS response may contribute to a more equitable and sustainable health and development agenda and how to reform systems of decision-making, monitoring, evaluation and accountability to guide efforts towards the end of the HIV epidemic, the release said.
“This is an opportunity for you, the people of the Caribbean, to have your voices heard on what development priorities and approached should be going forward,” Dr Ernest Massiah, UNAIDS Caribbean Regional Support Team Director said.
“The region needs to speak out clearly about its priorities and the lessons learned from the HIV experience that can be applied to the world’s development agenda,” he added.
According to the release the e-consultation is being moderated by nine international experts on HIV, human rights, health and development. Together with UNAIDS, moderators will produce a synthesis report at the end of the meeting. The report will be used to influence ongoing negotiations, including a high-level health thematic meeting planned for March 5-6 in Botswana.
“It is important that the Caribbean helps inform global consensus so that we can share our insights and help create a roadmap that responds to our needs,” Massiah emphasised.
To participate in the discussions the public can visit http://www.worldwewant2015.org/health
