MINISTER of Health Dr Fenton Ferguson has commended the united political position between the Government and Opposition on combating HIV/AIDS in Jamaica .

He cited proposed amendments to the Public Health Order approved by Cabinet which if implemented, would see HIV/AIDS being designated as a communicable disease only for reporting and surveillance purposes.

Addressing the opening of a UNESCO young TV producers workshop at the Knutsford Court Hotel recently, Dr Ferguson said such positions would go a far way in reducing stigma and discrimination against persons with the illness.

Dr Ferguson explained that the next major intervention would be the establishment of a national institution to manage Jamaica’s sexual/reproductive health programme, noting that the country had made significant progress in combating the disease.

“Gone are the days when contracting HIV/AIDS was seen as a death sentence in Jamaica, improvements in treating HIV/AIDS including increased access to anti-retroviral drugs has resulted in approximately 80 per cent of persons living with HIV in Jamaica being treated with anti-retroviral drugs,” he said.

He noted that since 2007 deaths from the illness have fallen to below five per cent, adding that of the US$3.2 billion estimated for the management of HIV patients over the next 18 years, US$1.4 billion will be used to provide anti-retrovirals.

He noted that with the progress made against the virus in recent times, there was a distinct possibility of having an AIDS free generation soon.