C-TECH Celebrates Success in Empowering the HIV Community through Health Education Sessions
The Caribbean Training and Education Centre for Health (C-TECH) has announced the successful conclusion of its impactful HIV health education sessions. This programme has played a vital role in providing essential information on HIV and other health-related topics to the HIV community and other stakeholders. Over the span of three years, C-TECH, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness Jamaica and the Jamaica Network for Seropositive (JN+), has been at the forefront of delivering valuable knowledge and resources to address the unique challenges faced by people living with HIV (PLHIV).
Initially launched in April 2020 as a platform to offer MOHW-approved COVID-19 information to PLHIV and their care and support teams, the programme expanded due to its growing audience and widespread interest. Recognising the economic losses and reduced access to health services during the pandemic, C-TECH actively collaborated with partners at the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) and the Jamaican Network of Seropositives (JN+) to organise a series of monthly virtual information sessions via the Zoom web platform. These sessions focused on compiling and exchanging best practises and information, with a particular emphasis on COVID-19 precautions, coping strategies, the importance of adherence to ARTs, and accessing HIV service delivery during the pandemic.
The initiative received funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through a grant awarded to the International Training and Education Centre for Health (I-TECH). This support has been instrumental in ensuring the successful implementation and continuity of the programme, enabling C-TECH to reach and empower individuals across Jamaica.
“We are thrilled to have been at the forefront of delivering these Health Education sessions, which, over the past three years, have played a pivotal role in disseminating crucial information and resources to PLHIV and their support networks,” expressed Patricia Hilton, Clinical Programme Manager at C-TECH. “Through our partnership with the Ministry of Health and Wellness and JN+, we have created a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, addressed the challenges posed by COVID-19, and fostered a stronger understanding of HIV health issues among PLHIV and caregivers. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to HRSA and I-TECH for their unwavering support in making this initiative possible.”
The success of these virtual sessions highlights C-TECH’s commitment, alongside its partners, to addressing the evolving needs of PLHIV during the pandemic and beyond. With its range of programmes and interventions, C-TECH will continue to empower individuals with the knowledge and resources needed to achieve positive health outcomes.