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Now is not the time to ease off the pedal regarding HIV

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Dear Editor,

It has been more than three decades since the HIV virus was first identified by the scientific community, however, in spite of the advances in medicine, stigma and discrimination continue to be major barriers in accessing treatment and services for those affected and impacted. Today, World AIDS Day, provides an opportunity to show support for people living with HIV, as well as to raise awareness of the struggles and prejudice those with the virus face daily.

According to UNAIDS more than 35 million people have died from AIDS-related illnesses. It is estimated that more than 36 million people are living with HIV. Sadly, a significant number of people living with HIV remain without antiretroviral therapy, including sex workers, young people, women and girls, transgender people, men who have sex with other men, people who use drugs and other key populations within the wider society. UNAIDS expects that US $26.2 billion will be required for AIDS response in 2020.

However, we need a cultural change in as much as we need to find additional financial resources in the fight against preventing HIV/AIDS. Many of the barriers those living with HIV face are rooted in patriarchy and cultural biases which render women powerless and voiceless in their sexual relations. Disturbingly, in many situations adolescent girls’ right to privacy and control over their bodies is not respected as a significant number of them report that their first sexual experience was forced. According to the United Nations, of the 250, 000 new HIV infections cases in 2013, more than two-thirds were adolescent girls. This shows how vulnerable females are regarding contracting HIV.

A major study examining how antiretrovirals reduce the risk of HIV transmission among heterosexuals has found that no participant with a fully suppressed viral load infected his or her long-term HIV negative partner. These final results from the HPTN 052 study of 1,763 mixed HIV status heterosexual couples were presented at the Eighth International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention in Vancouver, British Columbia in 2015.

The time has come for the international community in general, and Jamaica specifically, to do more to close the HIV prevention gap which disproportionately affects lower- and middle-income countries more due to budgetary constraints. Unfortunately, more than two million are infected with HIV yearly. The international community should be mindful that now is not the time to ease off the pedal regarding HIV prevention campaigns. We have seen a resurgence of HIV in key populations and this should be taken as wake up call to action.

According to a recent report by Jamaica AIDS Support for Life, there is very little knowledge about the HIV prevalence among transgender women in Jamaica. However, the National HIV/STI programme estimates HIV prevalence rate of 0.4 and 0.5 per cent in adolescent boys and girls between ages 15-19 years. According to the United Nations, as of 2013, 2.1 million adolescents were living with HIV. It cannot be business as per usual. It bears thought that given Jamaica’s strong Judeo-Christian customs many parents will without hesitation put out their transgendered children. Undoubtedly, these ‘trans’ individuals will be more at risk as they navigate the rough and challenging public space in an effort make a living. It is not uncommon for social issues such as homelessness, sexual abuse and depression to be high among this key population of any society making them more vulnerable to HIV/AIDS.

There needs to be more intervention programmes between the ministries of health and education, youth and information to address adolescent pregnancies and the reproductive health of teenagers. According to the news, economic hardship was forcing many schoolgirls into teenage pregnancy. This is a dangerous trend and has the potential to expose the girls to HIV/AIDS.

While the society has made much positive strides in the attitude of health care workers towards those living with HIV, more needs to be done to remove the remaining discrimination which is still meted out to some people living with the virus. Governments and non-governmental organisations must remain vigilant so as not to lose out on the gains made in tacking HIV/AIDS.

We all know someone who has died from AIDS-related illness or who is currently inflicted by the virus. As a society we should not give into our personal fears which, in most instances, emerge as a result of our biases and lack of knowledge. We need to work assiduously to foster and engender a culture of zero-discrimination and care towards those who are impacted with HIV/AIDS as well as strive towards empowering such individuals in their endeavours. Let us also continue in educating the public so that the many myths about HIV/AIDS can be dispelled.

On this World AIDS Day show your support by wearing a red ribbon which is the universal symbol of awareness and support for those living with HIV.

Wayne Campbell

waykam@yahoo.com

@WayneCamo


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