This December 1, World AIDS Day, we are reminded of the strides made and the challenges that remain in the fight against AIDS. Over 43 years have passed since the world was first introduced to AIDS, and while progress has been remarkable, the pandemic is far from over.
According to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV AND AIDS (UNAIDS), new HIV infections have decreased by 39% globally since 2010. However, in Latin America, infections have increased by 9% in the same period, with approximately 120,000 new cases in 2023. In the Caribbean, although new cases have declined by 22%, the region still records 15,000 new infections each year.
Progress with Challenges: A Jamaican Perspective
While the Caribbean has made notable progress, inequities in health access and information persist. Vulnerable communities often face barriers to prevention and treatment, limiting the impact of current strategies. As we approach the 2030 goal to end AIDS as a public health threat, bridging these gaps is critical.
AHF Latin America and the Caribbean calls on governments, communities, and individuals to take action:
- Promote prevention through condom use.
- Increase access to rapid HIV testing.
- Ensure immediate treatment initiation for those diagnosed.
- Invest in treatment retention programs to achieve undetectable viral loads.
- Combat stigma and discrimination with inclusive policies and awareness campaigns.
In Jamaica, we are amplifying our efforts with a World AIDS Day Health Fair on Saturday, November 30, 2024, from 10 AM to 4 PM at 122-126 Tower Street, Secret Gardens, Downtown Kingston (beside the Supreme Court). This event is in partnership with AHF Jamaica and SERHA. We will offer free health services to support our community in the fight against HIV.
Here’s what you can look forward to:
- HIV/Syphilis Testing
- Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Testing
- Blood Pressure Checks
- Condom Giveaways
- Prizes and Surprises
To make the day even more engaging, live outside broadcasting by The Edge 105.3 FM will add energy and excitement to this important event.
AHF Jamaica reaffirms its commitment to supporting those on their journey to HIV diagnosis and treatment, offering free rapid testing and care at over 16 care and treatment facilities island-wide including our newest member site St. Ann Medical, which is located at 61 Main Street, St. Ann’s Bay.
What’s Next?
Join us on November 30th to honor those lost to HIV, celebrate the progress we’ve made, and recommit to the goal of ending AIDS. Together, we can envision a future free of AIDS—a future where health equity and access are realities for all.
Let’s continue this fight with renewed energy and unwavering commitment. Together, we can end AIDS.
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For more information give us a call on 1876-313-3340
