Say No to AIDS
OUR CORE
VALUES


The National AIDS Coordinating Committee (NACC) is a multisectoral coordination committee which includes participation of major stakeholder groups such as Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Persons Living with HIV (PLHIV), Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Key Population Advocates (KPAs), Trade Unions, government, international and regional agencies, academic and private sector organisations. The NACC was re-launched in December 2016 to co-ordinate the national multisectoral response, set priorities, goals and targets, advise and guide the Government of Trinidad and Tobago on HIV and AIDS Policy.

Vision
A future without new HIV infections, reduced AIDS related deaths and no stigma or discrimination associated with living with HIV.

Mission
To challenge and encourage the national community to work in partnership to prevent and treat HIV and to mitigate its negative impacts.


The principles that guide the Trinidad and Tobago National HIV and AIDS Policy are aligned with those upon which Vision 2030 and the NSP are premised. These are:
 

  • Political Leadership and Commitment: Strong political leadership and commitment at all levels are critical to an effective, comprehensive and sustained national response.
  • Good Governance, Transparency and Accountability: Human, financial and organisational resources will be mobilized and managed in an effective, transparent and accountable manner. The policy would be widely disseminated and progress assessed against benchmarks and targets on an annual basis.
  • Equity: All persons can access information, prevention, treatment, care and support services regardless of HIV or other health status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, religious beliefs, socio-economic status, immigration status, incarceration status, geographic location, level of literacy or vulnerability to exposure.
  • Gender Equality: With HIV and AIDS being a social, cultural and economic phenomenon gender equality is imperative in addressing sexual and reproductive health. Women and girls are particularly vulnerable to HIV infection. Men and boys are also vulnerable and their needs should also be included in all programming and prevention interventions.
  • Promotion and Protection of Human Rights: All persons infected, perceived as infected or affected by HIV have the right to equality before the law and freedom from discrimination, and to be treated with dignity and respect in all areas of daily life. The National HIV and AIDS Policy draws attention to the compelling public health rationale to overcome stigmatization and discrimination in society, including the impact of gender norms and stereotypes. Reducing stigma and discrimination towards people living with HIV and key populations is critical for an effective national response.
  • Collaboration: A comprehensive national response utilizes the full range of effective, evidence-based policy and programmatic interventions, and involves all stakeholders in decision-making, planning, implementing and monitoring.
  • Inclusion: Meaningful participation by all groups in society in decision-making, planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating the national response to HIV is critical for an effective and sustainable response. It is also critical to understand and meet the needs of PLHIVs, KPs, vulnerable groups and others who face high levels of stigma and discrimination and as a result, may be deterred from accessing health and other services.
  • Community Systems Strengthening and Participation: Community actors working together with the formal health sector are critical to the long-term sustainability of effective interventions for epidemic control. Programmes designed, led, implemented and supported by the community should be evidence-informed, cost-effective, sustainable, and include support for KPs and vulnerable groups unable or unwilling to access government-provided services. Community networks, linkages and partnerships should be supported and integrated into the national programme.
  • Evidence Based Programming: All programmes and interventions are to be designed taking into account the factors driving the epidemic within locations and subpopulations and should be based on the epidemiological, economic, social, and demographic contexts of the country.
  • Regulatory Role of the Ministry of Health: The regulatory framework for the provision of health services provides up-to-date and scientifically sound guidelines for the delivery of HIV and related services.
  • Efficiency: Strategies, resources and inputs for the HIV response are integrated with other national development and health efforts to enhance overall efficiency and potential for sustainability. This includes the equitable and sustainable resourcing of the health sector in alignment with national priorities, policies and strategies.
  • Sustainability: in light of the changing economic environment, donor landscape and limited available resources emphasis would be placed on value for money, funds must be spent for the greatest impact and in the most efficient way, foster increased and continued country ownership, efficiency and sustainable financing