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VI sees decline in HIV/AIDS cases - Hon. Skelton

Minister for Health Hon. Ronnie Skelton says the VI has seen a decline in HIV but that should not be a reason to become complacent. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - With individuals being sexually active at a young age, and being faithful is somewhat a thing of the past, HIV/AIDS has the potential to be prevalent in the Virgin Islands (VI) communities, but through the efforts made by various organisations in the VI, the Minister of Health has revealed that there has been a decline in the number of new infections reported in the Virgin Islands.

Sharing the good news with cabinet in the House of Assembly on June 28, 2012, Hon. Ronnie Skelton said, “there has been a decline in the number of new infections reported in the territory. While this decline is not reflective of the persons receiving treatment oversees, our statistics are on par with the Caribbean.”

In stating that, the Minister added that this is no indication that the people of the VI should now relax their efforts in fighting the disease. He said that it is important to remain vigilant and continue to practice on being sexually responsible and make HIV screening a part of their annual routine health checks.

Meanwhile, appearing before the 2012 Standing Finance Committee (SFC) National AIDS Coordinator (NAC) Mrs. Noelene Levons-Clarke, told the members that in the Virgin Islands that since June 1985 up until December 2011, there were 99 cases of HIV/AIDS reported to the Ministry of Health and Social Development. She further stated that of the 99 cases there were 35 AIDS related deaths so 1/3 of the infected persons have passed on which left a total of approximately 64 reported cases in the Territory.

She had further stated that of the 64, there could be uncertainty as some may have moved from one country to another. She additionally stated that of the 64 persons that may be alive, there were 27 persons who accessed care and treatment in country, whether in the public or private sectors.

7 Responses to “VI sees decline in HIV/AIDS cases - Hon. Skelton”

  • big daddy Tom (16/07/2012, 15:21) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    this is good news
  • BRAD BOYNES (16/07/2012, 16:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Stop manufacturing the truth.
  • Facts (16/07/2012, 19:23) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Don't be fooled this info. Because people know nothing in BVI is confidential so they travel to St Thomas, Puerto Rico or USA for treatment and the Ministry knows this so they need to stop misleading the public.
  • Bogus! (17/07/2012, 14:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is absolutely bogus! People travel to the US, St. Thomas, PR and St. Maarten to get tested for HIV. Sad thing is those that turn out positive abroad are not reported back here in BVI.


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