Claudette Hobbins (left), vice-chairperson of the Kingston and St. Andrew Parish AIDS Committee, is warmly greeted by Professor Peter Figueroa, chief of epidemiology and AIDS in the Ministry of Health, at Christ Church in Vineyard Town prior to the start of the annual World AIDS Day church service yesterday. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

Dr. Peter Figueroa, chief of epidemiology and AIDS in the Ministry of Health, said he believes Jamaica has made several strides in the past year in combating HIV/AIDS.

Speaking shortly after the launch of an official week of activities leading up to World AIDS Day this Friday at a service at Christ Church on Antrim Road in Vineyard Town, yesterday, Dr. Figueroa told The Gleaner that more sectors of society are recognising the challenge of the disease and are coming on board.

He also cited the current campaign in the media to reduce stigma and discrimination against HIV/AIDS and persons living with it as a positive one.

"We have made a very big step forward in relation to trying to reduce the stigma and discrimi-nation associated with HIV," he said. "One of the challenges we face is too many people are still fearful of doing an HIV test. Maybe they fear they have had some risky behaviour, so that is a big challenge and that is why it is important we reduce the stigma and discrimination."

Risky behaviour

Dr. Figueroa believes that, while Jamaica has made advances in the fight against the epidemic of HIV/AIDS, much more needs to be done. He said the social and economic challenges some Jamai-cans have to face often lead to risky behaviour, which then results in a greater possibility of contrac-ting the disease.

In delivering the sermon at yesterday's service, the Reverend Gary Harriot, general secretary of the Jamaica Council of Churches, called for the Church to play a more active role in the prevention of AIDS and the caring for persons who live with the disease.

He said the Church should demonstrate its doctrine of love through action.