U.S. Government Reaffirms Commitment to Jamaica’s HIV Response with Handover of Medical Field Visit Kits
By U.S. Embassy in Kingston
March 19, 2026
Chargé d’Affaires Scott Renner, representing the U.S. Embassy, together with Dr. Paul Young, Director of the CDC Caribbean Office, formally handed over medical field kits to the CHARES team. This event underscores the ongoing partnership between international health organizations and local healthcare
Charge d’Affaires (CdA) Scott Renner participated in a high-profile site visit and official handover ceremony at the Centre for HIV/AIDS and Research Education and Services (CHARES), located at the University of the West Indies. The event marked the official delivery of medical field visit kits, which were procured with U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) funding through the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Valued at $23,000 USD, eighteen kits were procured and distributed at CHARES and the Southeast Regional Health Authority and the Southern Regional Health Authority which benefits all parishes across these two health regions. These kits are specifically designed to empower clinicians to conduct home visits for clients who are unable to attend traditional clinic appointments, ensuring they remain compliant with medical schedules and lifesaving HIV treatment.
A Legacy of U.S.-Jamaica Partnership
The United States government, through PEPFAR and CDC, maintains a robust partnership with the Government of Jamaica to strengthen the nation’s public health infrastructure. This multi-layered investment ensures resilient systems capable of preventing, detecting, and responding to health threats. Since 2018, PEPFAR has invested approximately $72M USD in Jamaica, strategically advancing key efforts in the HIV arena.
A cornerstone of the United States Government and the Government of Jamaica’s collaboration is the sustained support for CHARES. From 2020 to date, CDC has provided approximately $7.6M USD, through PEPFAR to implementing partners, to support operational activities and the direct procurement of essential medications for persons living with HIV (PLHIV) at CHARES. “This facility is not just a center for medicine; it is a pillar of hope and a testament to what we can achieve when the United States and Jamaica work side-by-side” remarked CdA Scott Renner during the visit.
CHARES: A Model for Regional Excellence
The U.S. government’s support to CHARES dates to 2015 with initial human resources support. Today, PEPFAR funding represents 43% of CHARES total funding and has helped to transform the facility into a premier clinical site and Jamaica’s second largest treatment center. Currently, it serves an active client base of over 1,200 and boasts an exceptional 91% retention rate and a 95% viral suppression rate.
CHARES remains at the forefront of public health innovation, becoming the first site in Jamaica to achieve the UNAIDS 90-90-90 goal in 2021. The Centre continues to lead the national transition to the preferred first line HIV treatment regiment, TLD, and comprehensive rollout of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) where it maintains a 90% retention rate among PrEP users far exceeding the global average of 60%. This dedication to quality life-saving care has garnered Ministry of Health & Wellness awards, and international acclaim, including recognition from the International AIDS Society for its pioneering “PrEP on the Go” initiative.
Through continued collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness and local NGOs, the United States remains a steadfast partner in building a resilient and responsive health system. By expanding access to high quality clinical services, this collaborative relationship ensures that every Jamaican living with HIV could lead a healthy, stable, and productive life.
Source: U.S. Embassy in Jamaica
https://jm.usembassy.gov/u-s-government-reaffirms-commitment-to-jamaicas-hiv-response-with-handover-of-medical-field-visit-kits/
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