BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE Federation is witnessing an increase in the number of young people being diagnosed with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), prompting an urgent call for action.
Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew, in a national address recognizing World AIDS Day on December 1, urged all community stakeholders to collaborate with the Ministry of Health to curb the spread of the virus.
Currently, an estimated 267 people are living with HIV in the Federation. Globally, 3.9 million individuals are living with the virus, with 9.3 million unable to access the life-saving treatments they need. In 2023 alone, 630,000 people died from AIDS-related illnesses, and 1.3 million were newly diagnosed with HIV. Alarmingly, an average of 570 young women and girls aged 15 to 24 acquire HIV daily. Dr Drew noted.
Locally, in 2023, the Federation recorded seven AIDS-related deaths and 14 new HIV diagnoses. Adolescents and young people aged 15 to 24 are particularly affected, signaling an urgent need for action.
The Federation ensures that all persons living with HIV (PLHIV) have access to free, life-saving medication. The National HIV-AIDS Programme guides the country’s response to the epidemic, emphasizing three core principles:
- Equity and Human Rights – Ensuring PLHIV have the right to the highest attainable level of health.
- Confidentiality – Protecting patients’ diagnosis and information through secure coding.
- Stigma-Free Service – Delivering care without discrimination.
The National HIV-AIDS Secretariat, in partnership with the Public Health Team, continues to implement comprehensive prevention and control interventions.
Dr. Drew reiterated that combating the HIV epidemic requires collective action, particularly as new cases increasingly affect the youth population. "The time to act is now," he emphasized, urging stakeholders to unite for a stronger national response.
