Professionals from the public and private sectors are participating this week in a five-day Professional Development Workshop hosted by the Antigua and Barbuda AIDS Secretariat at the Multipurpose Cultural and Exhibition Centre. The initiative aims to strengthen participants' knowledge and capacity to address HIV and AIDS and related issues in the workplace while promoting inclusive, supportive, and non-discriminatory environments.
The workshop covers a broad range of topics, including HIV and AIDS, mental health, healthy relationships, stigma and discrimination, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), confidentiality, and substance abuse. Through these sessions, participants are being equipped with practical tools to better support employees, clients, and members of the public, fostering workplaces grounded in respect, professionalism, and compassion.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs Hon. Michael Joseph reminded participants that many people carry invisible burdens, and that professionals are often in positions where their words, actions, and decisions can profoundly affect the lives of others.
The Minister emphasised that while scientific advances have made HIV a manageable chronic condition, stigma, fear, misinformation, and discrimination remain among the greatest barriers to testing, treatment, and care. Ending HIV, he noted, is not solely a medical challenge but a social responsibility requiring empathy, understanding, and collaboration across all sectors.
Hon. Joseph also stressed that confidentiality is more than a professional obligation — it is a promise that every individual's dignity and privacy will be protected. He urged participants to use the knowledge gained to create workplaces where people feel safe to seek help, disclose concerns without fear, and access the support they need.
AIDS Programme Manager Delcora Williams highlighted emerging trends in the national HIV response, drawing attention to a concerning increase in cases among persons between the ages of 16 and 24. She encouraged individuals to know their status through regular HIV testing, and reminded participants that education, early diagnosis, and supportive workplace environments are critical components of both prevention and care.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs Stacey Gregg-Paige also attended the opening ceremony.
The five-day workshop reflects the Ministry's and the AIDS Secretariat's commitment to building professional capacity across Antigua and Barbuda to address HIV and AIDS and related social and health issues with greater confidence, sensitivity, and professionalism. Participants are expected to apply the skills gained to help create workplaces where confidentiality is respected, stigma is challenged, and every individual is treated with dignity and compassion.
