Minister of Health and Wellness, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville announced the Ministry’s intent to end HIV/AIDS by the year 2030 during a press conference, September 2, 2022. Minister Darville said this is possible as they continue to work closely with global and national partners including WHO (World Health Organization), the World Bank, and UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).
Dr. Nikkiah Forbes, Director of the National HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Programme of the Ministry of Health, who was also present, said 4,447 people were living with HIV in The Bahamas at the end of 2021 meaning HIV prevalence is estimated at 1.3% of the population.
The HIV/AIDS progress update revealed these statistics:
4447 people living with HIV in The Bahamas at the end of 2022.
HIV prevalence is estimated at 1.3% of the population.
Newly reported HIV diagnosis decreased by 53%; 285 new cases in 2010 and 133 new cases in 2019.
In 2021, 94% of the people living in the Bahamas with HIV knew their status; 73% of them are on treatment.
81% of the people living with HIV achieved viral suppression.
The number of people living with HIV who are on treatment nearly doubled from 1043 persons in 2012 to 3047 persons in 2021.
Viral suppression among persons living with HIV has also increased in the past few years.
The proportion of persons living with HIV on anti-retroviral treatment who achieved viral suppression increased from 66% in 2015 to 81% in 2021.
No infants were born with HIV in The Bahamas in the years 2010, 2015, 2019, 2020 and 2021.
There has been 0% HIV transmission from mother to baby in the past three (3) years.
From: Bahamas Information Services
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