Mark Titus, Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
The health authorities in Trelawny say the programmes they have implemented to combat the spread of the HIV/AIDS virus are having a positive impact as the rate of HIV contraction has slowed down considerably.
"Many persons in the parish are now doing the responsible thing and coming forward to be tested," said Marlene Haye, assistant health education officer for the parish. "Unlike what some persons might think, the citizens of the rural communities of Trelawny are very responsive and open about HIV/AIDS and the proper use of condoms. This makes our job a lot easier."
In outlining the objectives of the programme, Medical Officer Of Health for Trelawny, Dr. Marcia Brown-Johnson, said the programme is designed to educate citizens about HIV/AIDS, promote safer sexual behaviour and encourage behaviour change among high-risk sex groups such as rent-a-dreads, prostitutes and persons with multiple sex partners.
Dr. Brown-Johnson also noted that the programme encourages the prevention of sexually-transmitted infections (STIs), the elimination of the stigma affecting persons infected or affected by HIV/AIDS, as well as the creation of a supportive environment for persons living with the disease.
Increased public awareness
Mrs. Haye and fellow assistant health education officer Althea Gayle Palmer, who is integrally involved in the programme, said the increased public awareness of HIV/AIDS and the increased use of condoms, serve as an indicator that the public was responding positively to the programmes.
According to figures provided by the National HIV/STI prevention and control programme, more than 22,000 Jamaicans are HIV-positive.
Urban parishes account for the highest cumulative number of persons with HIV/AIDS, with Kingston and St. Andrew, St. James, St. Thomas, St. Ann, Westmoreland and Trelawny making up the top six parishes in terms of HIV/AIDS infection.
FACTS
One in every three infected persons has had a history of STIs.
Of every 1,000 persons tested, 46 are HIV-
positive.
Fifteen of every 1,000 pregnant women are HIV-positive.
Eighty-five per cent of reported cases are in the 20-60 age group.
Fifty-two per cent are in the 20-39 age group.
