Jaevion Nelson | New commitment to end AIDS in Jamaica

In 2024, one thousand one hundred people contracted HIV and around 25 per cent of them were young people between 15 and 24 years. Consequently, Jamaica is one of four countries contributing to 90 per cent of new infections in the Caribbean. On top of this, of the 28,000 people living with HIV (PLHIV), around 1.1 per cent of the total population, only 15,000 are not on treatment and only 14,000 virally suppressed. This is quite concerning.

The National Strategic Plan for HIV, which was launched by the Ministry of Health & Wellness, last week, is, therefore, a timely call to action and framework to guide stakeholders towards achieving epidemic control of HIV in Jamaica. According to the ministry, the plan outlines a range of strategies and approaches to reduce new HIV infections by 40 per cent, promote respect for the rights of people living with and most affected by HIV, and empower people to practice safe, healthy lifestyles.

Anchored in the principles of social justice, bold leadership, human rights, and participation of PLHIV, with a patient-centred approach to its prevention and treatment thrust, the state minister, Krystal Lee, implored stakeholders to recommit and redouble efforts to address the plethora of challenges that put people at risk of becoming HIV- positive and supporting those living with HIV in accessing treatment and care with dignity, free from any kind of harm. This is what it takes “to prevent HIV transmission, minimise HIV-related morbidity and mortality, and promote health and development and galvanise national attention and support to address the challenges” (MOHW).

The National Strategic Plan is evidence of the strong political and technical leadership and expertise that exist in the country and the quality of the partnerships between Government and non-state actors, including people living with HIV and communities that are most affected by HIV. UNAIDS, therefore, commends the Government of Jamaica, specifically the Ministry of Health & Wellness, for its leadership and commitment to ending AIDS as a public-health threat by 2030.

REDUCED NEW INFECTIONS

Since 2010, Jamaica reduced new infections by 35 per cent and achieved certification from the World Health Organisation (WHO) for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis, among others. Additionally, the work of the Government and its civil society partners in reducing disruptions and ensuring continuity of prevention and treatment services in the aftermath of hurricane Melissa, last year, is commendable.

However, notwithstanding these achievements, significant work remains to be done so that Jamaica is ‘free of new HIV infections and AIDS, in which all people are happy, healthy, productive and safe’. UNAIDS, therefore, encourages the Government to

- Continue its strong partnership with civil society to scale up interventions.

- Continue the thrust to integrate HIV services into primary healthcare to make services more accessible.

- Mainstream U=U (undetectable = untransmittable) as a key component of the response.

- Address human-rights barriers that keep people living with HIV and those most affected away from desperately needed services.

- Leverage the efficacy of innovations like lenacapavir.

- Increase domestic funding for the national HIV response, including providing financial support to civil society and communities

GUIDANCE

Many of these are highlighted in the Global AIDS Strategy for 2026-2031, which will be approved at the UN High-Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS in June. The Strategy provides guidance towards reaching people either with the HIV treatment or the HIV prevention services that they need within a safe and supportive environment. It outlines three priorities around country leadership for sustaining inclusive multisectoral HIV national responses, reducing inequalities and upholding people’s rights to access HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care services, including for women and girls, men and boys, children, and key populations affected or at risk of HIV, and, importantly, community leadership at all levels of the response.

UNAIDS looks forward to Jamaica’s strong participation in the discussions and negotiations around the strategy leading up to the HLM. The Strategy catalyses a shift from an emergency, donor-driven HIV response to a sustainable, nationally led, rights-based and integrated approach that is embedded in resilient health and social systems. It emphasises long-term domestic financing and the integration of HIV within Universal Health Coverage and primary healthcare and other platforms.

Jamaica’s National Strategic Plan is an excellent starting point for this. It emphasises our shared vision and commitment to a healthier Jamaica where people living with and most affected by HIV can be adequately supported.

Jaevion Nelson is the development and public health professional and is the Advisor for Community Support at UNAIDS. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com.