|
|
Caribbean
Background
Nearly three quarters of the 250 000 [190 000–320 000] people living with HIV in the Caribbean are in the two countries of the island of Hispaniola: Dominican Republic and Haiti. National adult HIV prevalence is high throughout the region: 1%–2% in Barbados, Dominican Republic and Jamaica, and 2%–4% in the Bahamas, Haiti and Trinidad and Tobago. Cuba, with prevalence below 0.1%, is the exception where about 80% of HIV diagnoses have been among men, with unsafe sex between men the main risk factor for HIV transmission (Ministerio de Salud de Cuba, 2006).
Overall, an estimated 27 000 [20 000–41 000] people became infected with HIV in 2006 in the Caribbean. Although HIV infection levels have remained stable in the Dominican Republic and have declined in urban parts of Haiti, more localized trends suggest that both countries need to guard against possibly resurgent epidemics. AIDS claimed 19 000 [14 000–25 000] lives in the Caribbean in 2006, making it one of the leading causes of death among adults (15–44 years). In contrast to the rest of the region, injecting drug use is the most important risk factor for HIV transmission in Bermuda and Puerto Rico’s relatively small epidemics.
Source: UNAIDS, 2006 AIDS Epidemic Update, December 2006
Regional News
GYCA RFP participates in organizing HIV/AIDS research among Caribbean Women
Rayonne Pile, GYCA RFP, will be collaborating with Dr. Ruben Del Prado, Head of UNAIDS – Guyana & Suriname, the American University of Peace Studies, Dance Alive, and the University of Miami on a project researching the socio-dynamics of HIV/AIDS, focusing specifically on differences between Caribbean women of African descent and of Indian descent. The research will emphasize youth-friendly consultations, and GYCA will be part of the steering committee of the research team.
Youth Visioning for Island Living
Youth Visioning is a process whereby young people living in small islands envision how they would like to see their islands develop and change over the coming decade; and then work to implement their proposals and plans on the ground in their islands. Youth Visioning seeks to build capacity among island youth; to give youth a voice in sustainable development matters; and to make positive changes at the local and national level. One of the follow-up projects of YV in the Caribbean is "Raising awareness through youth for youth on HIV/AIDS, St. Lucia".
The aim is to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS among our youth and reduce the stigmatization of victims. Objectives of the project include educating youth on issues dealing with HIV/AIDS in collaboration with partners (e.g. National Youth Council, Red Cross and AIDS Action Foundation), promoting the importance of HIV/AIDS testing among youth, and reduce discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS.
|
|
|
