21 April 2001

Text: World Bank Plans to Devote Up to $150 Million to Fight HIV/AIDS in Caribbean

Washington -- The World Bank plans to devote up to $150 million to fight HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean, Bank President James Wolfensohn announced.

In an April 21 statement from Quebec City where he was attending the Summit of the Americas, Wolfensohn said AIDS has become the major cause of death among men under the age of 45 in the Caribbean. With the Caribbean having the world's highest HIV prevalence rate outside sub-Saharan Africa, "we must act urgently to save lives and protect human potential in the region."

The Bank President said the five-year program is expected to be presented for consideration by the Bank's board in June. The new program is in addition to more than $1,000 million that the Bank has devoted to HIV/AIDS projects in 56 countries. The statement said two Bank loans totaling $325 million have helped Brazil reduce the death rate from AIDS by 50 percent since 1993.

The Bank said recent data shows over 360,000 people living with HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean, but added that estimates place the real number at over 500,000 due to underreporting. More than 80,000 Caribbean children have been orphaned by AIDS, the Bank said.

The Bank said its new program will follow the Caribbean Regional Strategic Plan of Action for HIV/AIDS, developed by the member governments of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Dominican Republic.

"This program responds to the leadership shown by Caribbean governments," Wolfensohn said. "It will help them intervene quickly to prevent the spread of AIDS, with programs focused on high-risk groups, as well as treatment for those living with AIDS."