The status of HIV in the Caribbean

Figures and facts on HIV in the Caribbean

This paper, published by UNAIDS, posits that after almost thirty years years the HIV epidemic is still largely affecting most-at-risk populations in the Caribbean.

Key issues raised in the paper include:

the number of new HIV infections has not significantly declined over the last 10 years.
HIV now affects women and men equally, and remains the leading cause of death among people aged 20-59.
early successes were achieved in the area of blood safety and universal precautions.
scaling up antiretroviral treatment coverage among adults and children has resulted in a 40% decrease in AIDS-related mortality.
high coverage rates for HIV testing and prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV achieved an 18% reduction of new HIV infections among children from 2001 to 2008.

Despite these successes, the authors note that persistent challenges remain. These, inter alia, include prevention programmes have not significantly reduced the number of new infections. HIV prevalence is highest among men who have sex with men and sex workers.

In light of the state of the HIV epidemic in the Caribbean and the associated challenges, the authors recommend the following:

ensure continued funding for HIV.
improve prevention.
revitalise treatment.
remove punitive laws and diminish stigma and discrimination strategic information.
improve the efficiency of resource allocation.

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The status of HIV in the Caribbean