The Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister made the point in a message to mark World Aids Day, which is being observed on December 1.
Using figures from 2009 to illustrate his point, Samuel said at the national level the economic impact of HIV/AIDS was estimated at $41.25 million. He noted further that the cost to treat one person with HIV for one year at that time was about TT$14,000.00.
"And it is estimated that at the end of 2009 there were approximately 21,636 persons infected with the HIV virus with approximately four new infections per day," he said.
Samuel added that in 2008 the Health Economics Unit of the University of the West Indies projected that in a few years Trinidad and Tobago would lose about four per cent of its annual national income (about TT$2.4b) if the spread of HIV/AIDS continued unabated.
"These are startling facts and figures and they are testimonies to the fact that we need to comprehensively and cohesively deal with the whole issue of HIV/AIDS as a nation and as a people," samuel said.
Samuel added that in 2008 the Health Economics Unit of the University of the West Indies projected that in a few years Trinidad and Tobago would lose about four per cent of its annual national income (about TT$2.4b) if the spread of HIV/AIDS continued unabated.
"These are startling facts and figures and they are testimonies to the fact that we need to comprehensively and cohesively deal with the whole issue of HIV/AIDS as a nation and as a people," samuel said.
"Our national psyche MUST be awakened. We need to “pull together” as a nation and in so doing reduce the rate of new infections. This is the responsibility of every citizen."
Samuel's message also focused on the theme for 2011: "Getting to Zero: Zero New HIV Infections. Zero Discrimination. Zero AIDS-Related Deaths", noting thatit is part of the “Getting to Zero” campaign of the UN which runs until the year 2015.
"December 01st each year provides us with a unique opportunity to come together – all of us worldwide – to fight against HIV and to lend our support to people living with HIV. It is also a solemn time in which we remember all those who have died – family members, friends, colleagues, and co-workers," Samuel said.
He added that World AIDS Day also provides an opportunity to learn the facts about HIV and to put this knowledge into action.
Samuel's message also focused on the theme for 2011: "Getting to Zero: Zero New HIV Infections. Zero Discrimination. Zero AIDS-Related Deaths", noting thatit is part of the “Getting to Zero” campaign of the UN which runs until the year 2015.
"December 01st each year provides us with a unique opportunity to come together – all of us worldwide – to fight against HIV and to lend our support to people living with HIV. It is also a solemn time in which we remember all those who have died – family members, friends, colleagues, and co-workers," Samuel said.
He added that World AIDS Day also provides an opportunity to learn the facts about HIV and to put this knowledge into action.
"It is only when we know and understand how HIV is transmitted, how it can be prevented, and the reality of living with HIV today, we can then take care of our own health and the health of others, and ensure that we treat everyone living with HIV fairly, and with respect and understanding," the minister stated.
The global estimate is that about 33.3m people are now living with HIV. More than 25 million have died from the virus in the years between 1981 and 2007, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history.
Samuel said, "At a time where financial resources are limited and where Trinidad and Tobago no longer receives international subventions in the fight against HIV/AIDS, it is critical that we exercise collective responsibility.
"In Trinidad and Tobago we have launched our own “T&T Countdown to Zero” campaign with issues relating to HIV Prevention, HIV Stigma and Discrimination, and Treatment, Care and Support being addressed.
"Two of the major intended outcomes of this local campaign are for persons to take responsibility for their sexual behaviours and to adopt positive, caring, and non-judgmental attitudes towards those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.
"HIV/AIDS poses serious challenges for all of us and every citizen must do his/her part in effectively combating this epidemic so as to achieve the goal of Getting to Zero.
"Additionally, if we are to achieve the goals as outlined in the theme for World AIDS Day 2011 it is incumbent for all of us – individuals, the government, the private sector, and civil society to engage in meaningful and effective collaboration.
"We must join hands in this fight so that all citizens of Trinidad and Tobago can make a significant and lasting contribution to authentic human development.
"As we commemorate World AIDS Day 2011 everyone is encouraged to participate in the “TT Countdown to Zero” Campaign and to adopt a personal mantra for this campaign and that is: I Count, I Matter, I Make a Difference!"
The global estimate is that about 33.3m people are now living with HIV. More than 25 million have died from the virus in the years between 1981 and 2007, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history.
Samuel said, "At a time where financial resources are limited and where Trinidad and Tobago no longer receives international subventions in the fight against HIV/AIDS, it is critical that we exercise collective responsibility.
"In Trinidad and Tobago we have launched our own “T&T Countdown to Zero” campaign with issues relating to HIV Prevention, HIV Stigma and Discrimination, and Treatment, Care and Support being addressed.
"Two of the major intended outcomes of this local campaign are for persons to take responsibility for their sexual behaviours and to adopt positive, caring, and non-judgmental attitudes towards those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.
"HIV/AIDS poses serious challenges for all of us and every citizen must do his/her part in effectively combating this epidemic so as to achieve the goal of Getting to Zero.
"Additionally, if we are to achieve the goals as outlined in the theme for World AIDS Day 2011 it is incumbent for all of us – individuals, the government, the private sector, and civil society to engage in meaningful and effective collaboration.
"We must join hands in this fight so that all citizens of Trinidad and Tobago can make a significant and lasting contribution to authentic human development.
"As we commemorate World AIDS Day 2011 everyone is encouraged to participate in the “TT Countdown to Zero” Campaign and to adopt a personal mantra for this campaign and that is: I Count, I Matter, I Make a Difference!"
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