BASSETERRE St. Kitts, December 2nd, 2013 -- Theme: Justice For All.
Goal: Zero Infections, Zero Transmission, Zero Stigma & Discrimination by 2015
Re Zero Infections
• People are responsible for their own health including sexual health.
• The chance of infection is eliminated or reduced through abstinence, faithfulness and condom use.
Re Zero Transmission
• Women who are pregnant or contemplating getting pregnant are strongly urged to get tested.
• Medication can prevent HIV from moving from an infected mother to her child.
• Tests and medications are available to all who need them free of charge. Contact you Community Health Center or personal physician.
Re Anti-Stigma & Discrimination
• People who need services will continue to be served without regard to race, religion, gender, national origin, immigration status, political affiliation, sexual orientation and income level.
• Among other activities, the Ministry of Health will be rolling out are codes of conduct, privacy and confidentiality to govern healthcare workers. Posters and other material will be made available for the public to be aware of the quality of care, treatment and respect to expect from healthcare workers.
Rights
People are entitled to
• The highest possible level of health (including sexual health) and social security.
• Equality and non-discrimination
• Be free of fear and want
• Privacy
• Information and education
• Freedom of expression
• Effective remedy for violations of fundamental rights
Statistics
• Total number of HIV cases 1984-2012: 345 (average 12 per annum)
• Annual Trends: 1980s – Average of 4 new cases per year; 1990s - 15; since 2000 - 12.
• Highest number of HIV cases in a single year: 34 in 1996
• Number of new cases in 2012: 9 (7 males, 2 females)
• Number of Registered Persons Living with HIV: 57 (up to 2012)
• Cost of the National HIV/AIDS Program: ECD 1.7M (2011). 75% of funds provided by government.
2013 Festive Season Advisory
• There is an increased risk of sexually transmitted infections such as HIV during festive occasions because judgment is clouded by alcohol, other mind altering substances, and tiredness, leading to risky sexual behaviour.
• Everybody’s goal is zero infection for Christmas and carnival.
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