Anguilla’s Minister of Health Eric Reid says nurses are extremely critical in the fight against HIV/AIDS not only at the bedside of patients, but in the fight against the stigma associated with the disease as well. He also made the comment with respect to the nurses’ advocacy for better treatment for patients and support for their families.

The Minister was speaking on the observance of Nurses Week in Anguilla from May 12-18 under the theme “Nurses Fighting AIDS Stigma: Caring for all.”

According to Mr. Reid, the national, regional and international fight against the stigma of HIV/AIDS will require people who are noble, dedicated, loyal, committed and well-learned. “It is my belief that stigma has killed more people in the world than the lack of appropriate medications,” he stated. “The evidence shows that even while medications are made available at affordable prices and in the correct quantities, infected persons refrain from accessing them as a result of the stigma they often face in the community and in health institutions around the world.”

Mr. Reid added: “To turn this around will take a concerted effort by all involved. I therefore congratulate the Anguilla Nurses Association for taking on this formidable challenge.”

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