Fight against HIV/AIDS isn’t over, Humphrey says

Bajan men continue to be disproportionately represented in HIV and AIDS statistics. So much so, that Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Kirk Humphrey is expressing the hope that these, in addition to the overall numbers for testing, will increase over the next few years.

According to Humphrey, this is going to be essential as the country continues its fight to eradicate the virus.

The minister’s comments were made during an HIV/AIDS service at the Church of the Nazarene in Bank Hall, St Michael, this morning. Speaking to the congregation made up of members from the National HIV/AIDS Commission, he noted that beyond prayer there has to be a conversation around prevention and it must be age and culturally appropriate if it is going to make sense and reach the ears of the targeted.

“… A way that does not turn off people because then it becomes about ourselves. We said what we said and we don’t care what you think — no. If it is about the people we are serving it has to be in a way that they can receive it,” he added.

According to statistics, the number of known HIV/AIDS cases stood at 2 493 in 2020. Acknowledging that during the COVID-19 pandemic figures for other scourges such as child abuse and intimate partner violence increased, the minister concluded that people living with HIV/AIDS may have also increased given the realities of society. This is why Humphrey also contended that part of the conversation has to be about early detection and prolonging life, which has been aided by the use of antiretroviral therapy.

“He added: “The doctors would tell you that we haven’t found a way to stop HIV from becoming AIDS but we’ve found a way to reduce the possibility of it happening if you take the medication. The virus, if left untreated, would probably lead to AIDS. That is why we have to make sure that medication is available to all and the theme Putting Ourselves to the Test: Achieving Equity to End HIV symbolizes the idea that all must be able to have access in this country. It means persons with disability, the older population, those who are poor, any particular group … We have to make sure to find a way where all persons have access and people are treated in a way that they could be respected at the end of the day.”

Additionally, Humphrey implored the church’s partnership in the fight. He stated that the Government cannot do it alone.

“It is not over yet. Not talking about it does not mean it is over and I commend all who have been doing this work for so long and I trust that together we can continue to serve those who need our help,” Humphrey stressed. (KC)