Figures of AIDS related deaths

Ministry of Health

AIDS cases and deaths

The total number of reported cases of AIDS in Jamaica between January 1982 and December 2007 is 12,520.
The total number of reported AIDS deaths in Jamaica between January 1982 and December 2007 is 6,993.

In July 2005, the national HIV/STI program began monitoring cases of advanced HIV to reflect the need for treatment at an earlier stage of disease. Persons with advanced HIV include persons with CD4 count < 350. Figures reported for AIDS cases between July 2005 and December 2007 include persons with advanced HIV.

In 2007, one thousand one hundred and four persons with advanced HIV (595 males and 509 females) were reported compared to 1,186 in 2006. Of these1104 persons, seven hundred and eighty-one (781) persons were diagnosed with AIDS compared to 1,112 persons in 2004. This represents a 30% decline in AIDS cases and is largely due to an increased access to treatment.
The number of AIDS deaths has also decreased with three hundred and twenty (320) AIDS deaths (201 males and 119 females) reported in 2007 compared to 514 in 2005 (Figure 1).

A decrease in AIDS deaths and cases is attributed to the introduction of public access to antiretroviral treatment in 2004, prophylaxis against opportunistic infections and improved laboratory capacity to conduct investigations such as CD4 counts, viral load and PCRs. These factors have resulted in a general improved quality of care.

Among reported male AIDS cases on whom data about sexual practices are available,
homosexual or bisexual activity is reported by 14% of men. However, the sexual practice of
42% of men with AIDS is unknown. This is due to inadequate investigation and reporting of
cases as well as unwillingness of cases to reveal their sexual orientation.

R U at risk for HIV??
Take the HIV/STI RISK ASSESSMENT Quiz

1. Do you use a condom correctly everytime you have sex? Y/N

2. Are you absolutely sure that you did not get a sexually transmitted infection during your last sex act? Y/N

3. Do you know your HIV status? Y/N

4. Do you know your partner’s HIV status? Y/N

5. Do you know for sure whether your partner is having or has had sex with only you? Y/N

6. Can you always convince your partner to use either the male or female condom every time you have sex? Y/N

7. Did you take an HIV test recently? Y/N

If you answered no to any one of these questions, you could be at risk for HIV or another Sexually Transmitted Infection. For more information call the HIV/STD Helpline at 967-3830/3764 or toll free 1-888-991-4444.