Omar Anderson, Gleaner Writer
EIGHTY PER cent of new HIV infections in women world-wide occur in marriages or long-term relationships with primary partners, according to a new United Nations (UN) report.
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) State of World Population 2005 Report was released in Kingston, Jamaica, yesterday during a ceremony at the Hilton Kingston Hotel in New Kingston.
"Among HIV-positive women, many are married and have had only one partner - their husbands," the report stated.
It added: "In parts of Africa and the Caribbean, the two regions with the highest HIV prevalence, young women (ages 15-24) are up to six times more likely to be infected than young men their age."
Delivering the keynote address at the function, Health Minister John Junor said that in trying to attain the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) to fight HIV/AIDS, the National HIV/STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) Control Programme has had some success in reducing the prevalence and rate of new infections.
"However, the programme is continuing its effort to expand, accelerate and improve the
quality of interventions and response," he said.
HIV-POSITIVE AND PREGNANT
Mr. Junor said treatment continue to be improved and the introduction of rapid HIV testing in local hospitals has already identified a number of HIV-positive pregnant women.
The health minister added that the number of persons living with AIDS, and receiving anti-retroviral drugs, continues to increase and the Health Ministry is now preparing to test an HIV vaccine.
Meanwhile, he said Jamaica has been accomplishing much in promoting gender equality and empowering women - another Millennium Development Goal.
"Jamaica's record in this area has been consistent," Junor said. "(Jamaica has been) encouraging responsibility among men, advocating against domestic violence, and empowering persons through the teaching of conflict resolution skills."
