CARICOM signsup with Clinton Foundation
The Caribbean Community(CARICOM) last Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)with the William J Clinton Presidential Foundation in supportof the Region's continuing efforts of fighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
The MOU recognises the commitmentof CARICOM Member States to fighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic throughintegrated treatment care and prevention programmes, which hasseen the adoption of a comprehensive strategy and road map forimplementing the Regional treatment and care strategy.
For its part the ClintonFoundation has recognised the efforts in the Caribbean to arrestand eliminate the HIV/AIDS epidemic and the importance of theefforts to the United States given that country's close proximityto the Region..
The path to the signingof the MOU started in Barcelona, Spain, where at the 2002 worldConference on HIV/AIDS, former United States President Clintonmet with Dr. Denzil Douglas, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevisand the Community's Head of Government with lead responsibilityfor Health.
A follow up to the BarcelonaMeeting took place in St. Kitts and Nevis, between Dr Douglasand members of the Clinton Foundation, leading to the signingof the Agreement.
The Community's Deputy Secretary-General,Dr. Carla Barnett, signed on behalf of the Community. Representativesof the Clinton Foundation, were Mr. Ira Magaziner, a former senioradviser to former President Clinton, Ms Lyn Margherior, and MsMaureen Bisognano.