Caribbean Regional Network

The Caribbean Regional Network (CRN+) of people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) was established in September 1996 as a regional non-profit organization with its Secretariat based in Port of Spain, Trinidad. Its primary role has been advocacy of the community of PLWHA. It is also an affiliate of the global network (GNP+) and a member of the International Community of Women Living with HIV/AIDS - ICW. Its growth and development has to be seen against the backdrop of the initial denial on the part of Governments and the community at large, even though the Caribbean was soon second only to Sub-Saharan Africa in terms of prevalence rates. With the help of regional and international agencies, CRN+ has contributed immensely to galvanise governments to action. With external funding, CRN+ experienced substantial expansion of staff in short order. The organization has implemented a number of projects and assisted its clients to keep HIV/AIDS in the forefront of social policy in member countries. The Caribbean Regional Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS (CRN+) is currently a Sub-Sub-Recipient (SSR) of the GFATM Round 9 Grant. The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM) approved for funding, the Round 9 regional HIV proposal of the Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV/AIDS (PANCAP). The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is the Principal Recipient (PR) for this GFATM-funded programme entitled 'Fighting HIV in the Caribbean: A Strategic Regional Approach'. The PANCAP Coordinating Unit (PCU) is one of the Sub-Recipients (SR). CRN+ programme of work includes, as one strategic action, the promotion of persons living with HIV (PLH), peer support, building organisational, business, and service delivery skills of grassroots, national, and regional persons living with HIV organisations. The PCU is the Sub-Recipient (SR) for this activity. CRN+ implements activities under the Objective 1 of the Global Fund Round 9 grant: An enabling environment that fosters universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support.