Castries, City, April 23 (teleSUR-RHC)-- Members of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) have signed a document, agreeing to work together to access HIV/AIDS funds for the most vulnerable people.

The document “concept note,” will detail the plans and policies of each country concerning the care and treatment of people living with HIV/AIDS. "The funding in this proposal seeks to address the access to health care by high-risk population and in our context, some of the most vulnerable people have been identified as men having sex with men, sex workers and young people," she said.

Saint Lucia's Health Minister Alvina Reynolds says she is pleased that months of hard work have resulted in the endorsement of the regional strategic plan. “It is very heartwarming that we've come so far. It has taken a lot of sweat and tears to get here and to know why we're doing this. It is for many persons who will be affected positively as a result of going through our achievement of this concept note being accepted and the funding coming to the people of the OECS,” she said.

Research conducted in 2014 by the OECS Health authorities indicate that economic challenges limited the protection requirements of individuals, thereby risking exposure to the virus and affecting the affordability of services and authorities' ability to meet increasing demands for services.

Health officials in the OECS say the new accord will help ensure that health care and funding reach those who need them most. A number of regional health ministers signed the document at a ceremony in Saint Lucia.