NASSAU, The Bahamas – Senator the Hon. Bernard J. Nottage, Minister of Health and National Insurance, said on Thursday (March 16) that The Bahamas is one of five countries in the world with a successful HIV/AIDS program with declining rates in new HIV infections, AIDS cases, deaths and an increase in persons on antiretroviral medication.
Dr. Nottage also revealed that the largest HIV/AIDS high risk group in The Bahamas are young adults between the ages of 15 and 25 years.
Dr. Nottage made the disclosures at the third annual HIV/AIDS rally held by the Golden Z Club at the College of The Bahamas.
“Some 6,853 people in The Bahamas are HIV infected or live with AIDS, 5,243 persons have already developed AIDS, and over the past two decades 3,612 have died from AIDS and AIDS-related illnesses,” Dr. Nottage said.
“The Bahamas is one of five countries around the world known to have a successful HIV/AIDS programs with declining rates in new HIV infections, AIDS cases, deaths and an increase in persons on antiretroviral medication. This is all wonderful but the task and challenges ahead remain enormous.
“Bahamian mothers have access to screening and medications that reduce the risk of transmission of HIV to infants during pregnancy and childbirth. This means that less than one per cent of children born to HIV infected mothers in The Bahamas are born with the virus” Dr. Nottage added.
He said “this success story” is a result of testing, care, treatment, support and non-governmental organization (NGO) partnerships.
Dr. Nottage said that every Bahamian living with HIV should know his or her status and be evaluated for these new anti-retroviral treatments.
“Too many of our young ones are dying because of pride, frightened of stigma and discrimination and reluctant to come in for evaluation and treatment,” he said.
“If HIV persons are treated they can live longer, healthier lives. The vast majority of young people infected in The Bahamas became infected as a result of the choices they made. Making positive choices about how to live a healthy life has become more critical than ever,” Dr. Nottage warned.
He said that smart choices about avoiding tobacco and illegal drugs and employing simple common sense and moderation in eating and drinking means that more of us would enjoy longer, healthier lives.
Dr. Nottage said the same common sense approach has to apply to sexual health as well.
He noted that HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections are preventable when the facts are known about HIV.
“Abstinence is still the best way to avoid infection. In addition, putting off sexual activity until you are mature enough to deal with it and all its consequences.” “If you are sexually active use a condom, but the safest sex is no sex at all,” Dr. Nottage added.
