[ad_1]
Dr. Christopher Tufton calls for redoubling efforts to end discrimination against people living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
The Minister of Health said Monday that the keynote speech delivered at the inauguration of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Medical Center on Hagley Park Road in St Andrew, revealed that while some groups are more vulnerable the virus.
"We must accept this recognition and this reality in our environment, that the HIV risk profile extends beyond any particular group, and reaffirm our commitment to address it," said the Minister. to the audience.
He stated that no HIV-positive patient who sought advice or treatment in public health facilities should be denied service because of the illness, as persons in breach of the directive would suffer the consequences of their acts. .
"HIV patients should not be treated differently than people with diabetes, hypertension or other diseases. If we ever recognize that this discrimination is being applied, we will take the strongest possible action because we are all vulnerable, "said the minister.
The AHF, located at 183 Hagley Park Road, is Jamaica's largest non-governmental service organization providing care and support to people living with and affected by HIV / AIDS.
Since 2013, the entity has been working with the Ministry of Health to provide services to public HIV treatment sites at the Western Regional Health Authority and the North East Regional Health Authority.
Thanks to a new memorandum of understanding signed by the Minister and the AHF, the Southern Regional Health Authority has been added to the partnership.
Custos of Kingston Steadman Fuller also congratulated the group for extending health care to the public; Dr. Kevin Harvey, Regional Director Caribbean Caribbean Region; Patricia Campos, Head of the Latin America and Caribbean Office of the AHF; Director of the Caribbean Regional Program for Disease Control Centers Dr Varough Deyde; UNAIDS Director Manoela Manova; and Rosemary Stone, HIV-related anti-stigma activist.
The AIDS Healthcare Foundation, based in Los Angeles, is a global nonprofit organization that provides leading-edge medicines and advocacy activities to more than one million people in 43 countries.
Now you can read the Jamaica Observer ePaper anytime, anywhere. Jamaica Observer ePaper is available for you at home or at work. This is the same edition as the printed copy available at the address http://bit.ly/epaperlive.
[ad_2]
Source link