Dear Editor,
Today, December 1, World Aids Day, is one of the most recognisable international health days. On this day the world pauses to bring awareness to the struggles of those impacted by HIV/AIDS. The theme for 2014 is 'Focus, Partner, Achieve: An AIDS-Free Generation'.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), some 35 million people are living with HIV/AIDS. Of this number, 3.2 million are children. Since the first cases of HIV/AIDS were reported in 1981 some 39 million individuals have died.
It is estimated that some 240,000 people in the Caribbean are living with HIV/AIDS. Jamaica has an estimated 32,000 people living with HIV/AIDS. The Caribbean is second to Sub-Saharan Africa in terms of HIV prevalence. It is estimated that The Bahamas has the highest HIV prevalence in the Caribbean, at 3.1 per cent of its adult population. Trinidad and Tobago has a HIV prevalence rate of 1.5 per cent of adult population and Jamaica's HIV prevalence rate is 1.7 of its adult population.
The Caribbean, like many other parts of the world, continues to struggle with discrimination and stigma. To some extent this is borne out of many misconceptions surrounding the transmission of the virus. As a result, many persons who are afflicted with this disease choose not to disclose their status out of fear of being rejected. This unwillingness among the wider society to show compassion and kindness contributes to the spread of HIV/AIDS.
We need to eradicate the stigma that is very much alive in the Caribbean, particularly in Jamaica. We need to examine thoroughly the various messages that are being circulated, especially within the popular culture, some of which are clearly negative. Probably, we need to use more of the popular artforms to fight the harmful spirit of discrimination.
We now live in a time where with diet, exercise and medication (which is relatively expensive) an individual who is HIV-positive can live for years. The availability of antiretroviral drugs has contributed greatly. In fact, with advanced treatment individuals with HIV are almost at undetectable levels, improving the quality of life for those living with AIDS.
However, we should never let our guard down. Instead, we should continue to educate the population and promote a message of sexual responsibility and healthy lifestyle choices for all Jamaicans.
Wayne Campbell
waykam@yahoo.com
www.wayaine.blogspot.com
The work to remove HIV/AIDS stigma continues
-->
Today, December 1, World Aids Day, is one of the most recognisable international health days. On this day the world pauses to bring awareness to the struggles of those impacted by HIV/AIDS. The theme for 2014 is 'Focus, Partner, Achieve: An AIDS-Free Generation'.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), some 35 million people are living with HIV/AIDS. Of this number, 3.2 million are children. Since the first cases of HIV/AIDS were reported in 1981 some 39 million individuals have died.
It is estimated that some 240,000 people in the Caribbean are living with HIV/AIDS. Jamaica has an estimated 32,000 people living with HIV/AIDS. The Caribbean is second to Sub-Saharan Africa in terms of HIV prevalence. It is estimated that The Bahamas has the highest HIV prevalence in the Caribbean, at 3.1 per cent of its adult population. Trinidad and Tobago has a HIV prevalence rate of 1.5 per cent of adult population and Jamaica's HIV prevalence rate is 1.7 of its adult population.
The Caribbean, like many other parts of the world, continues to struggle with discrimination and stigma. To some extent this is borne out of many misconceptions surrounding the transmission of the virus. As a result, many persons who are afflicted with this disease choose not to disclose their status out of fear of being rejected. This unwillingness among the wider society to show compassion and kindness contributes to the spread of HIV/AIDS.
We need to eradicate the stigma that is very much alive in the Caribbean, particularly in Jamaica. We need to examine thoroughly the various messages that are being circulated, especially within the popular culture, some of which are clearly negative. Probably, we need to use more of the popular artforms to fight the harmful spirit of discrimination.
We now live in a time where with diet, exercise and medication (which is relatively expensive) an individual who is HIV-positive can live for years. The availability of antiretroviral drugs has contributed greatly. In fact, with advanced treatment individuals with HIV are almost at undetectable levels, improving the quality of life for those living with AIDS.
However, we should never let our guard down. Instead, we should continue to educate the population and promote a message of sexual responsibility and healthy lifestyle choices for all Jamaicans.
Wayne Campbell
waykam@yahoo.com
www.wayaine.blogspot.com
The work to remove HIV/AIDS stigma continues
-->