Productions: Panoscope

Panoscope . Media Briefings . Island Beat . Our Own Voice . Le P'tit Nouvelliste
Order Publications

Panoscope Articles Index

Response UNICEF

Panos [12132007]

Dear...,

Let me thank you for your letter dated November 9, 2007. UNICEF is indeed very concerned by the situation of children in Jamaica, and especially as it relates to the impact of the AIDS epidemic on their development.

As you may know, UNICEF has prioritized Children and AIDS in its 2007-2011 Country Programme Action Plan with the Government of Jamaica. Prevention of mother-to-child transmission, universal access to treatment, care and support for children, adolescents and mothers in need, primary prevention among adolescents, and protection of children affected by HIV and AIDS are the key pillars of our programme. Recently, along with the Ministry of Health and Environment we published several materials to help parents living with HIV take better care of their health and nutrition. In the schools, we help teachers, administrators, parents and students better understand the AIDS epidemic, adopt new skills to protect themselves, and oppose any form of discrimination against people and children living with HIV or affected by HIV and AIDS. Through other programmes, in partnership with NGOs, we help parents strengthen their capacities to care for and protect their children, and we are working with the Early Childhood Commission and the Ministry of Education towards the development of a National Parenting Policy.

I fully agree with you, however, that more can be done and more must be done. Parents, regardless of any trying circumstances, are the first line of care and love for their children. I really appreciate your suggestion to particularly strengthen the capacities of parents living with HIV. As you rightly point it out, if we manage to help them better cope with their situation and talk to and support their children, then children will also lead a better life.

With key partners such as the Ministry of Health and Environment, the Early Childhood Commission, the Ministry of Education, and PANOS Institute, UNICEF is willing to further explore the best viable strategies to achieve this goal. You have my commitment that UNICEF Jamaica will incorporate your suggestions in discussions with partners in the formulation of its 2008 annual workplan and objectives.

Again, on behalf of UNICEF Jamaica, let me thank you for your invaluable suggestions and your support to our work in Jamaica.

Bertrand Bainvel
UNICEF Representative
Jamaica

Patricia Watson
Regional Director, Panos [12132007]