GEORGETOWN, Guyana – The Public Health Service of Amsterdam (GGD Amsterdam) is set to host a vital South-to-South Learning Exchange from 31 March to 4 April 2025, bringing together Caribbean public health leaders, clinicians, and civil society advocates with Dutch experts to enhance HIV prevention and care for priority groups.
This event, supported by significant health organizations, aims to fortify strategies for HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention across the Caribbean by promoting knowledge-sharing, innovation, and regional partnerships.
Key Focus Areas
Participants will delve into GGD Amsterdam’s innovative models in Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and other critical areas, including Long-Acting PrEP, HIV testing, Doxy PEP, care for transgender individuals, and leveraging AI and technology for improved service delivery. Delegates from Barbados, Belize, The Bahamas, Guyana, Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago will take part in:
Site Visits: Attendees will have the chance to tour GGD Amsterdam’s clinics, observing intake systems, STI/HIV testing protocols, and collaborations with local organizations offering HIV services.
Innovation Workshops: These sessions will explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Integrated Communication Technologies (ICTs) enhance HIV prevention strategies.
Vision Board Development: Participants will work together to create country-specific action plans aimed at addressing gaps in PrEP rollout, reducing stigma, and improving equitable service delivery.
Expert Leadership
Guiding the technical discussions will be Professor Dr. Henry de Vries, a prominent expert in STI/HIV epidemiology with more than three decades of experience. Participants will also engage with GGD Amsterdam’s leadership and technical staff to better understand patient flow and the organization of clinical and community outreach services.
Building Sustainable Networks
Delegates will draft actionable work plans to enhance national HIV programs with a focus on:
- Increasing access to PrEP and nPEP.
- Strengthening collaboration with civil society organizations.
- Integrating care for viral hepatitis and HPV into HIV services.
“This exchange offers participants the opportunity to learn from GGD Amsterdam’s effective strategies, including AI-driven service delivery and equitable PrEP access, while engaging in hands-on learning for transgender care and community-led partnerships,” remarked a coordinator from PANCAP. “It’s a significant step towards fostering collaborative efforts in the global battle against HIV, equipping Caribbean leaders with proven strategies to accelerate progress toward ending AIDS,” emphasized the director of PANCAP.
Post-event, PANCAP will implement follow-up assessments with participants at three- and six-month intervals to evaluate the effectiveness of the strategies adopted.
PANCAP appreciates the support of key partners for this crucial knowledge-sharing initiative.
