St. Kitts and Nevis joined the global community in observing World AIDS Day on 1st December, 2024 under the theme, Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right! The theme underscored the importance of safeguarding the rights of those living with or at risk of HIV, as the Federation reaffirmed its commitment to ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
In a national address to commemorate the occasion, Minister of Health, Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew, revealed that an estimated 267 individuals are living with HIV/AIDS in St. Kitts and Nevis. In 2023, seven persons succumbed to AIDS-related illnesses, and 14 new cases were diagnosed, according to Prime Minister Drew. There has been a notable increase in new cases among youths aged 15 to 24. Despite this, all persons living with HIV (PLHIVs) in the Federation have access to free life-saving medication, highlighting the country’s commitment to ensuring equitable health services.
Dr. Drew outlined that the Federation is actively pursuing the National HIV/AIDS Programme, which is guided by three principles: equity and human rights, confidentiality, and stigma-free service provision. Key efforts include HIV screening, targeting key populations and vulnerable communities, with over 3,160 persons screened annually in the last five years; linkage to care, which ensures newly diagnosed individuals are connected to treatment immediately to halt disease progression and improve outcomes; and access to free, tolerable antiretroviral medications, which have improved compliance and viral suppression among PLHIVs.
The Ministry of Health has continued its collaboration with the Ministry of Social Development to address the social needs of PLHIVs.
Prime Minister Drew also revealed the rollout of preventive treatment in key populations.
Additionally, the government has expanded the human resources of the National HIV/AIDS Secretariat, reflecting its broader vision to strengthen healthcare capacity.
Globally, an estimated 39 million people are living with HIV, with 9.3 million unable to access the treatment they need. In 2023, 630,000 individuals died from AIDS-related illnesses, and 1.3 million new infections were reported. Women and girls aged 15 to 24 remain particularly vulnerable, with an average of 570 acquiring HIV daily.
The prime minister encouraged the citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis to be proactive in protecting themselves and others.
“Be responsible and protect yourself using a condom or another HIV prevention tool, including pre-exposure prophylaxis. HIV is a sexually transmitted illness; therefore, avoid casual sex without a condom. If having unprotected sex or if you have never had an HIV test, we recommend that you consider including HIV testing as part of your annual check-up,” the Health Minister said in his call to action.
“If involved in risky sexual behaviour, we recommend that you screen for HIV more often. If diagnosed with HIV, we recommend that you start HIV medication and treatment immediately. We recommend that you adhere to taking medication as prescribed to achieve viral suppression, health, wellness, and improve life expectancy,” Dr. Drew further advised.
Prime Minister Drew also called on youths to recognise their risks, set healthy boundaries, and adopt safe sex practices. He reminded the public that living with HIV does not preclude leading a fulfilling life, as individuals adhering to treatment and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can achieve normal life expectancy.
Dr. Drew concluded by imploring citizens and residents to join the collective effort to end HIV/AIDS by 2030.
Be the first to comment on "St. Kitts and Nevis Strengthens Efforts to Combat HIV/AIDS"