World AIDS Day, which has been recognized on December
1, every year since 1988, is dedicated to raising awareness of
the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection,
and mourning those who have died of the disease.
Government and health officials, non-governmental
organizations and individuals around the world observe
the day, often with education on AIDS prevention
and control.
DID YOU KNOW?
•As of 2017, AIDS has killed between 28.9 million and 41.5
million people worldwide, and an estimated 36.7 million
people are living with HIV
• Thanks to recent improved access to anti-retroviral treat-
ment in many regions of the world, the death rate from
AIDS epidemic has decreased since its peak in 2005 (1
million in 2016, compared to 1.9 million in 2005).
HIV IN JAMAICA
•Between January 1982 and December 2015, 34,125 cases of HIV were reported to
the Ministry of Health. Of these, 9,517 (27.9%) are known to be deceased.
•An estimated 30,000 Jamaicans are infected with HIV
•16% of Jamaicans are unaware of their HIV status and are not accessing services
•St. James ranks #1 for the number of reported AIDS cases in Jamaica, while Kings-
ton and St. Andrew and St. Ann come in at 2nd and 3rd respectively.
•Most cases of HIV is associated to sexual transmission.
•Men and women aged 20 to 39 account for 54% of reported AIDS cases in Jamai-
ca.
CHECK YUHSELF!
•To get an HIV test done, you may visit one of the health-care clinics, hospitals or
sexual health clinics in your area. Remember! HIV is preventable and manageable.
Visit the Ministry of Health’s website for further information.
http://moh.gov.jm/national-hiv-sti-tb-programme/