Dutch HIV/AIDS experts visit Curaçao

Ongoing assistance and support has been promised, following the visit to Curaçao of two Dutch HIV/AIDS experts.

Dr Hugo and Liesje Tempelman visited Curaçao April 18-25 to share their knowledge on HIV/AIDS prevention and care, and other aspects of their work. Their visit was organized by the Foundation Red Cross Blood Bank.

The couple runs an integrated HIV/AIDS Centre in an area of South Africa where 20% of the 150,000 population is estimated to be HIV positive. The centre offers, among other things, care and support to persons living with HIV/AIDS, voluntary counseling and testing, clinical and laboratory monitoring, post exposure prophylaxis, and has obstetrical and clinical admission facilities.

The centre is currently able to assist 1000 patients with anti-retroviral drug (ARV) treatment, and has a mobile clinic equipped with modern laboratory facilities to reach those who cannot travel to the centre.

The visit to Curaçao began with a symposium open to medical staff and other interested persons. The deputy of the Ministry of Health opened the event with a call for more open discussions on sexuality, and improved access to condoms, including condom-dispenser machines in schools.

During this first visit to Curaçao, the Tempelmans met with several persons working in the field of HIV/AIDS. The Curaçao Red Cross youth director met twice with the couple and shared the region's "Together We Can" program with them. Copies of the English version were presented.

The Tempelmans felt there are several good initiatives in Curaçao, but is not being properly coordinated. They suggested that those working to reduce HIV/AIDS in Curaçao should work closer, and believed the following should be the priorities for Curaçao: to ensure PLWHA's, including illegal immigrants, have access to ARV drugs and treatment; and more research.

The decision to include illegal immigrants was taken by all stakeholders; currently illegal immigrants do not have access to ARV drug treatment.

Plans are being made to continue collaborations with the Tempelmans. These include sending key HIV/AID personnel, including a soon-to-be-appointed HIV/AIDS Programme Coordinator to the South African centre for training, and a representative from the centre coming to Curaçao to assist in monitoring.