Petrina Francis, Staff Reporter

More than 1,000 per-sons develop AIDS annually in Jamaica, according to a Ministry Paper now before the House of Representatives.

While many persons with HIV - the virus that causes AIDS - can live healthy lives for many years without developing the full-blown disease, many others don't.

The document, which examines the performance of the National HIV/STI Control Programme, also stated that there have been 6,000 deaths since the onset of the epidemic in 1982.

The Ministry of Health estimates that of the 25,000 persons living with HIV, 15,000 are not aware of their status.

Epidemic spreading

The paper states that although the National HIV/STI Control Programme has prevented an estimated 100,000 new HIV infections, the epidemic continues to grow.

The Ministry Paper identified a number of factors which contribute to the continued spread of HIV in Jamaica. Some of these factors include poverty, illiteracy, unem-ployment and gender relations. It also said the continued stigma associated with HIV/AIDS and discrimination against persons living with HIV/AIDS contribute to increased vulnerability of the population by driving the epidemic underground.

According to the paper, there are a number of sensitive social issues that need to be addressed, including the need to ensure that all young persons are effectively reached with HIV/AIDS education and safe skills through the educa-tion system.

It further noted that HIV/AIDS education programmes need to be expanded considerably in the schools, workplace and the community.