“Globally, the number of AIDS related deaths decreased from 2.3 million in 2005 to 1.7 million in 2911, and new HIV/AIDS infections decreased by 20% between 2001 and 2011,” (World Health Organisation Programmes and Project Report, 2013). This is largely because of the availability of antiretroviral drugs. In the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), more and more persons are successfully living with HIV/AIDS. According to a representative of the HIV Unit, “approximately 500 people live with HIV/AIDS in the TCI, (cited in TCI SUN Newspaper, June 2013 issue). Clearly, getting to zero deaths and new infections is not ludicrous, though; the latter poses a greater challenge. A complete behavioural change is the key!
Our people need to reject the culture of promiscuity; young people ought to delay sexual debut; homosexuals and heterosexuals, alike should make more use of condoms which are provided by the department of health, in public areas; and we must continue to reduce stigma and discrimination, so that infected persons would not hide their status to the detriment of the un-infected. A change in individual behavior is a definite plus! However, our parliamentary representatives and other stake holders have roles too.
Government need to sustain policies to combat illegal immigration and sex tourism, since they contributed to rising HIV/AIDS cases on our islands. Also, the public and private sectors should become co-sponsors of HIV/AIDS Education programmes, geared towards dispelling myths such as HIV/AIDS is a “poor people disease”, and condoms give cancer.
Undoubtedly, HIV/AIDS no longer equals death, but the challenge is, to combat new infections. A total change of behavior is the solution for our nation! Let us all make an ongoing contribution to the Turks and Caicos National HIV Unit!
Samra Arthur
Grade 6
Oseta Jolly