The National Strategy for HIV/AIDS was formulated based on information gathered from a Situational Analysis of HIV/AIDS in Belize, which was conducted byu the National AIDS Task Force. The process for the development of the National Strategy was initiated in May 1998. It represents a national effort to respond to the HIV/AIDS epidemic through a coordinated multi-sectoral approach. Consultations were conducted countrywide t oidentify HIV/AIDS related problems and strategies for prevention, intervention and support for people with HIV/AIDS. Three priority areas were identified in the consultation process: Attitudes and Practices, Inter-sectoral Coordinationand Services. This plan focuses on these three priority areas and identifies priority groups, activities and expected outcomes for each area. The National Strategy 2000-2003 is a centralized plan to be used as a guide for the program managers as they develop sectoral/district plans. The emphasis of the plan is on prevention and integrated comprehensive services to people with HIV/AIDS based on the vision statement.

"Whilst a cure for HIV/AIDS continues to elude scientists, the number of HIV/AIDS cases continues to increase. Education becomes the key to curtailing the spread of the disease. Education and HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean describes the impact of HIV/AIDS on education in both the global and Caribbean contexts and outlines the lessons to be learnt from the global experience. The aim of the book is not only to highlight the role of education in HIV/AIDS prevention but also to look specifically at the education sector, its role and response, as well as the management of the response. It also intends to ensure that the education sector recognises the crucial role it must play in reducing the impact of HIV/AIDS. The text is complete with illustrations on the socioeconomic, health and gender aspects of the disease, and is a useful resource for anyone wanting to obtain precise information about the impact of the disease in the Caribbean. "

Providing an introduction to HIV/AIDS, this book explains the science, the international and local politics, the demographics and the devastating consequences of the disease. This book is aimed at general readers interested in the science, the epidemiology and the social effects of the disease which has killed 20 million.

It is estimated in this region that more than half a million people are infected with HIV. Efforts are needed if inroads are to be made against the AIDS epidemic. Although many Caribbean governments have initiated a limited response to HIV/AIDS much remains to be done. This report provides an overview of the challenges and opportunities in addressing the problem of HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean. It presents a snapshot of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the region and offers examples of ways in which Caribbean countries and regional bodies such as the Caribbean Community have responded to the epidemic, discusses alternative actions for addressing the crisis and highlights a range of strategies for donor coordination and cooperation in the region. Finally the report identifies the potential role of the World Bank in addressing the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the Caribbean