Persons living with HIV are set to benefit from improved facilities for treatment, care and support at the Jamaica AIDS Support for Life (JASL) through a a grant in the amount of US$99,738 from the Embassy of Japan under its “Grassroots Human Security Project.” The funds will facilitate an expansion in medical services and increased counselling support for persons living with HIV.
“The value of being able to increase the number of clients who receive treatment and counselling here based on the renovations and expansion cannot be captured in monetary terms. That more persons living with HIV will have accessible, available and affordable services in a friendly and comfortable environment is priceless”,” stated Minister of Health, Dr. Fenton Ferguson in his address at the contract signing and handover ceremony held at JASL today (March 20, 2015).
The Kiwanis Club of Constant Spring, which will provide contribution in terms of volunteer labour was lauded by the Minister for the selflessness of its members and its continued commitment and support to JASL for the past 7 years.
In expressing his thanksto the Japanese Ambassador, His Excellency, Yasuo Takase, Dr. Ferguson said “we trust that you will be heartened by the significant improvement you will see in our health services due to your kind contribution.”
He added that “the strengthening of the multisectoral response will be the key to how readily we will be able to advance towards the very ambitious but inspiring UNAIDS targets of zero discrimination, zero transmission and zero AIDS related death.”
This event came within 24 hours of the Japanese Embassy providing funding for six ambulances in the amount of US$ 73,350 to the St. John National Council.
Dr. Ferguson also thanked the Government of Japan for its continued support of the health sector in Jamaica.