BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – MINISTER of Health Wendy Phipps is underscoring the importance of communities in the fight to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS in the Federation.
In her recent speech in recognition of World AIDS Day, the Minister revealed that there are 172 persons living with the virus in the Federation, noting that the figure represents 88 percent of the estimated population of persons who are aware of their status.
Minister Phipps explained that as of November 30, 2019 there were 12 new cases diagnosed, of which only five are on Anti-Retroviral Treatments, disclosing that those cases are in the age range of 20-29.
According to the Junior Minister, a total of 82 or 49 percent of persons diagnosed with HIV are presently known to be on Anti-Retroviral Treatments.
“By focusing on communities’ response to AIDS, the WHO and UNAIDS are sending the clear message that communities are powerful and positive agents for change in the lives of persons affected by AIDS.
“These communities are comprised of families of persons living with AIDS, healthcare providers and health educators, individuals who are at high risk of infection, and civil society organisations (CSOs) who have joined the fight against AIDS.
“Together, it is the communities’ strong response to AIDS that will make a major difference in ensuring that all persons affected by AIDS remain at the center of the care and, in so doing, will be able to live meaningful lives that are free from stigma and discrimination-two formidable threats that have long hampered global advocacy for persons affected by the illness.”
This year’s theme for the World AIDS Day was ‘Communities Make the Difference’ by the World Health Organisation and UNAid.
Minister Phipps disclosed that there are currently 19 site health centers to assist in treating and counselling to assist in dealing with Tuberculosis and Sexually Transmitted Infections.
Against that backdrop, it was revealed that the national prevalence of HIV is higher in certain key population groups, such as men having sex with men, transgender individuals and sex workers.
Minister Phipps revealed that a total of six HIV-related deaths were recorded thus far for 2019, noting the figure is in line with the national annual average of such deaths for the period 2016 to 2018.
“It is evident from the proceeding list of statistics that we must do much more at the national level to improve our HIV/AIDS statistics. As such, the Ministry of Health has recently embarked on a number of initiatives to assist in this endeavour.
“They include: an increase in the number of laboratory technicians to handle testing loads; the recruitment of a Case Manager and additional Health Educators assigned to the National HIV/AIDS Programme; the roll-out of the electronic case-based surveillance system; and the improved engagement and support of CSOs to assist with public education, reaching vulnerable groups, and increasing advocacy for those who are affected by HIV/AIDS.”
Globally, it is estimated that 24.5 million persons with AIDS were receiving anti-retroviral therapy (ART) by mid-2019.
