Jamaica Gleaner
It is costing countries in the region about $50 million a year to treat those infected with HIV/AIDS.
UNAIDS Country Coordinator, for Jamaica, Belize and the Bahamas, Pierre Somse said that amount is projected to increase by 25 million per year for within the next five years.
Somse pointed out that it also costs more to treat homosexuals and sex workers infected with the virus.
According to Somse, institutional streamlining is needed for Caribbean countries to enhance their HIV/AIDS response programmes.
He said financial adjustments must also be made in order for countries to better manage response programmes.
Somse said a study is now underway to determine how money is being spent and what are the options for increasing domestic funding, to treat those living with the disease.
