Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton has come under fire from HIV/AIDS support groups who are dissatisfied with his leadership.
At a media briefing held Wednesday morning, the groups accused Dr. Tufton of not doing enough to engage the HIV/AIDS community, claiming that he has not met with the community since taking office in 2016.
The groups include Jamaica Aids Support for Life (JASL), Eve for Life, Caribbean Vulnerable Communities Coalition (CVC), among others.
Ivan Cruickshank, CVC’s Executive Director, said strong leadership is important to combat HIV/AIDS, however, civil society has gotten the impression that “there is an absence of the minister from engagement.”
“You have to be present, you have to be accounted for, you have to show up,” he urged the minister.
Mr. Cruickshank encouraged the government to restructure its response to the virus, calling for the National AIDS Commission to be reconstituted with leadership that is in a position to drive it, galvanise people and mobilise resources.
Kandasi Levermore, JASL Executive Director, said the HIV/AIDS support groups do not feel a sense of urgency from the government.
She added that only 35 per cent of people living with HIV/AIDS are being treated, noting that this is not enough to stop the epidemic.
“We’re losing 1,300 people who contribute to the productive workforce, while every year, we’re diagnosing 2,000 more people living with the virus,” she outlined, reiterating the call for government to do more to support the HIV response.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton has agreed to meet with the HIV/AIDS support groups later this month.
The minister denied claims that he is not doing enough to support the groups, pointing out that he has been to several events, not just in Jamaica, but internationally.
