HEALTH Minister John Junor yesterday signed the Global Fund Grant Agreement in Geneva, making Jamaica the first English-speaking country to sign for the global fund for HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria.

Jamaica's proposal for a grant of US$23 million to assist in the fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Jamaica over the next five years was approved in October 2003.

The first US$7,560,365 of the grant is to be handed over in time for June 1 implementation date for the project.

The programme will place 2,000 people on antiretroviral treatment during the first two years, making provisions to ensure that all persons who need treatment will receive it by 2008.

The project will include:

. the provision of antiretroviral drugs to both children and adults living with HIV/AIDS in 16 selected treatment sites islandwide;

. promotion of safer sexual practices, including abstinence, especially among the young population and marginalised groups; and

. completion and implementation of policies and legislative framework that will specifically address stigma and discrimination.

The procurement of antiretroviral drugs for the programme will be facilitated through the Bill Clinton Foundation, which in October last year negotiated prices under its HIV/AIDS Initiative and secured deals with some generic drug makers to reduce the cost of commonly used antiretroviral drugs.

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