Dear Editor,

“Every week we have close to 27 Jamaicans becoming HIV infected.” Those are the words of Dr Richard Amenyah, regional director of the United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS. Dr Amenyah was quoted in an article published by the Jamaica Observer on Sunday, November 27, 2022 headlined ‘No one should die from AIDS, says UN official’.

I don’t know about anyone else, but the statistics scare me. According to the article, there were 1,400 new cases and 770 AIDS-related deaths last year. Amenyah also stated that close to 15 people die weekly from AIDS in Jamaica and there are approximately 30,000 Jamaicans living with the disease with a large percentage receiving no treatment at all. As if that weren’t bad enough, there has been a steady increase in the HIV infection rate in the 15 to 24 age group.

We all know what the problem is in Jamaica: Stigma! stigma! stigma! Most infected people are afraid of the stigma associated with the disease. Some people hate going to the doctor, especially men, so they may not know their status. Others, after showing symptoms, will get a check-up but not take medications. They will, instead, ignore the diagnosis and infect others.

It is unfortunate that, despite multiple campaigns from the Ministry of Health and Wellness, some Jamaicans still believe that HIV can be contracted from a touch or taking a glass of water from an infected person. So what can we do to reduce the stigma and infection rate on the island?

There needs to be a resocialisation of the masses by reminding them constantly of not just the risks of unprotected sex but the methods of HIV transmission. These reminders should also not only come leading up to World AIDS Day.

As a society we need to stop making discussions on sex taboo, especially for our teens. Many of us did not have parents who spoke to us about sex. We were informed by our misinformed friends or TV shows. Make sex education mandatory in schools. We also need to remember that some people were, unfortunately, born with the disease.

We need to teach our children to not become bullies and practice inclusion. For those who are already infected, you can still live a happy and healthy life; don’t be afraid to access treatment. Resources are available for you. Health Connect Jamaica provides confidential services to the HIV infected. There is also Jamaica AIDS Support and the Ministry of Health and Wellness National HIV/Sexually Transmitted Infection/Tuberculosis Programme, among others.

This year, World AIDS Day will again be observed on December 1. Be smart about your sexual health, other sexually transmitted diseases exist; get tested and take your medication! “Safe sex alone wi a deal wid this year.”

Latoya Richards

lrichards19@stu.ncu.edu.jm