Dionne Rose, Staff Reporter
MEMBER OF Parliament for Central Clarendon, Mike Henry is expressing concerns about the increasing number of HIV/AIDS cases in that parish.
Speaking at Wednesday's sitting of Parliament's Human Resources and Social Development Committee, Mr. Henry said the increase was alarming.
He said during a visit to the May Pen Hospital and Health Department, he was advised that Clarendon had the highest rate of increases in HIV up to November of last year.
"In fact, cases had jumped from 70 to 126," he said, adding that 26 children were reported to be among those infected with the deadly virus.
According to Mr. Henry, even more disturbing is the absence of a system to monitor those living with HIV.
But Medical Officer of Health for Clarendon, Dr. Sonia Copeland has rejected such claims.
MORE SOCIAL WORKERS
She said the Ministry of Health had sought to address the problem by hiring more social workers, who are currently conducting home visits to educate persons about the disease and on how to access treatment.
Dr. Copeland also told The Gleaner that what appears to be an increase in HIV cases in the parish was the result of two reasons.
According to her, there is now universal testing of all pregnant women and of persons attending clinics, especially those responsible for treating persons with sexually transmitted diseases.
Additionally, the Medical Officer of Health said the epidemic is not at its peak in Jamaica.
