Giamaica: aumentano 21% casi HIV

Giamaica: aumentano 21% casi HIV nel 1999 sono stati riportati 1,436 paragonati ai 1,738 nel 2009, c'e' stato un incremento del 21 per cent in 10 anni.

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HIV/AIDS jump 21 per cent between 1999 and 2009


Wednesday, February 09, 2011







THE incidence of HIV/AIDS in the country is on the increase the Ministry of Health reported yesterday.

In 1999, the number of reported cases was 1,436 compared to 1,738 in 2009, an annual increase of 21 per cent.

"This situation is exacerbated by [a] high incidence of multiple partnerships and low condom usage. Persons continue to engage in risky behaviour and thereby risk their lives and those of their loved ones," Health Minister Rudyard Spencer said in a statement.

The increase, however, is juxtaposed against a reduction in the number of HIV/AIDS-related deaths.

According to the ministry data, in 2009 AIDS claimed 378 lives, of which 234 were males and 144 females. The number represents a 31 per cent reduction from 1999 when there were 549 AIDS deaths.

In 2004, the year universal access to anti-retroviral drugs was introduced, there were 665 AIDS deaths.

"While there has been progress in this area, the fact still remains that more persons are contracting the disease and so we must place emphasis on reducing the HIV prevalence rate across the country," Spencer said.

The minister's statement came against the background of Safer Sex Week being observed until Valentine's Day, next Monday. The theme for the week is "Protect your love, use a glove". It serves as an urgent call for persons to discontinue risky sexual behaviour by using condoms each time they have sex and sticking to one partner, the ministry said.

Referring to data in the 2008 Knowledge, Attitude, Behaviour and Practice survey, Spencer said there were higher ratios of multiple partnerships among men, youth between 15 and 24, and persons in unmarried or cohabiting unions.

"Men have an average of six sex partners, while women have an average of three... Women especially must take responsibility for their health and change their behaviour by buying and carrying their own condoms and urging their partners to use (them)," the minister urged.

"There must be a change in the behaviour of sexually active persons if we are going to see any meaningful reduction in Jamaica's HIV prevalence rate," he added, urging aggressive targeting of young people and better parenting strategies.

"Our young people must be targeted aggressively as they are becoming sexually active at a younger age and are having multiple partners. Since 1982, AIDS cases reported among girls in the 10-19 age group have increased," Spencer said. "Parents and guardians must play a more active role in supervising their children and instilling good morals and values that will encourage them to abstain from sex. The use of communication technologies must also be pursued to distribute messages about abstinence and the methods of safe sex."

The national event for Safer Sex Week will be held at the Old Harbour campus of Portmore Community College on Monday.