From September 3rd to 5th, I was honoured to participate in the Advocacy Training Workshop organised by the National AIDS Coordinating Committee (NACC) under the Office of the Prime Minister to boost HIV policy efforts in Trinidad and Tobago. The workshop united advocates, community leaders, and key stakeholders from across the country to advance our national HIV response.
My name is Kimberly Springer. I am an advocate, activist, and feminist from Trinidad and Tobago. I serve as the Vice Chair on the board for Y+ Global, representing the Caribbean region.
My country is home to just over 1.5 million people. Although this may not seem like a lot in comparison, in the Caribbean, we have the highest reported incidence rate of HIV cases in the Americas. According to UNFPA, approximately 350,000 to 590,000 people are living with HIV in my region. I am an activist because I can use my voice and platform to amplify the voices of young women, adolescent girls, and young mothers in my country and the wider Caribbean region.
Meetings and workshops like these in my region are rare, and even more so when they are held in my country. So, coming into this workshop, I knew that every opportunity I had was one to speak about the issues that impact us as people living with HIV and identify solutions that involve everyone, not just people living with HIV but also people most affected.
One of the key highlights of the opening ceremony was the address given by Dr. Richard Amenyah, the UNAIDS Multi-Country Director for the Caribbean. In it, he reminded us that “ending AIDS is a shared responsibility.” Dr. Amenyah's message set the tone for the workshop; he reinforced the importance of collaboration between UNAIDS, the government, and civil society in achieving the shared goal of ending AIDS in the Caribbean.
[Photo from left to right: Kimberly Springer in her opening speech with Dr Patrice Rabathaly-Nandram, Senior Public Health Specialist, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Ian Ramdahin, Permanent Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister, National AIDS Coordinating Committee Secretariat: Dr Ayanna Sebro, Technical Director, NACC Secretariat; and Jaevion Nelson, Adviser, Community Support UNAIDS Multi-Country Office (Caribbean)]
The NACC is the government agency responsible for Trinidad and Tobago’s response to HIV. Minister Ayanna Webster-Roy, who guides the NACC, has consistently prioritised inclusive approaches by engaging all the right people, such as People Living with HIV (PLHIV), networks and organisations of people PLHIV, NGOs, Key Population Advocates (KPAs), trade unions, and private sector organisations. Minister Webster-Roy’s leadership and commitment to supporting vulnerable groups such as women, children, and PLHIV have been instrumental in shaping our nation’s HIV policies.
We participated in various informative presentations and dynamic group discussions throughout the three-day workshop. These sessions provided valuable insights into the intricacies of HIV policy and advocacy, equipping us with the tools and strategies needed to make meaningful contributions. The workshop also offered a space for networking and learning from experts and fellow advocates.
Another memorable aspect of the workshop was hearing firsthand stories from grassroots advocates, who shed light on the challenges faced by PLHIV in accessing healthcare and overcoming societal stigma. I resonated with these stories as I, too, lived those experiences. Stories of resilience and determination are the foundation of our advocacy, it’s what reminds and drives us in this space. It serves as a call to action for all of us to continue pushing for change. These narratives were a powerful reminder of the ongoing need for policy reform to ensure that no one is left behind in the HIV response.
Reflecting on my personal experience, I felt inspired and energised to continue advocating for effective HIV policies in my community. The workshop has provided me with the knowledge and connections needed to drive meaningful change in this space. Learning from such accomplished leaders and advocates was a privilege, and I am eager to apply these lessons in my ongoing work.
My journey is one that is shared by many others. But to my fellow advocates, the work ahead is tough but important and urgent. Ending AIDS is achievable only if we remain committed to achieving this goal. And for Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean region, my home, I will continue to represent you whenever and wherever I can to ensure your needs and priorities are met.