New goals for reducing Aids-related deaths in the Caribbean

A new reports has found that Aids-related illnesses still remain the leading cause of death in people aged 25 to 44 in the Caribbean.

The UNAIDS study was presented to members of the Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV and Aids (PANCAP).

It highlighted 22 indicators of the epidemic and set new goals for reducing the figures in the future, under the new Caribbean Regional strategic Framework for 2008-2012.

Caribbean Net News reports that the targets include reducing the number of new HIV cases by 25 per cent, lowering the mortality rate from HIV and Aids by 25 per cent and to also reduce the social and economic impact of the diseases.

George Alleyne, UN special envoy for Aids in the Caribbean, told the news site: "United we stand, divided we fall, unless the social partners come together, we will not be successful."

PANCAP was established in 2001 to monitor the HIV and Aids situation across the region