Professor Peter Figueroa (left), outgoing chief of epidemiology and AIDS in the Ministry of Health and Environment, listens attentively to Health Minister Rudyard Spencer during the launch of the Global Fund HIV/AIDS project, held yesterday at the ministry's downtown Kingston head office. - Norman Grindley/Deputy Chief Photographer

Professor Peter Figueroa has retired from the Ministry of Health and Environment after serving for more than 30 years.

Figueroa, who was chief of epidemiology and AIDS in the ministry, will be replaced by Dr Kevin Harvey, who served as senior medical officer in the ministry.

Volunteer work

Figueroa said yes-terday that, although he has retired, he would return to the ministry and continue to work.

Addressing journalists at the launch of a new Global Fund programme to support HIV and AIDS, he thanked everyone who worked with him over the years, saying his achievements would not have been possible without them.

The former chief of epide-miology and AIDS said he was confident the team, led by Harvey, would do well in combating the spread of HIV and AIDS in Jamaica.

Towering figure

Rudyard Spencer, minister of health and environment, thanked Figueroa for his contribution to the national HIV and AIDS programme.

"Figueroa has been a towering figure in this field of health care. I am sure that he will continue to lend us his vast expertise and know-ledge, even as he enjoys his retirement," Spencer said.