CaribWorldNews, GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Tues. Oct. 27. 2009: A group focused on HIV/AIDS in the region claims the disease across the Caribbean is on the decline.
The Pan Caribbean Partnership Against HIV/AIDS on Monday said the number of people with HIV and AIDS in the Caribbean showed a decline last year when compared to previous years. Pointing to the latest reported statistics, PANCAP said the region recorded 17,000 new infections last year compared to 20,000 in 2007.
Further, PANCAP said there were 11,000 deaths compared to 14,000 during the same periods. The group said it believes nationals are getting the public education message and increasing condom-use.
Latest statistics show that 230,000 people in the Caribbean have HIV/AIDS, second only to Africa which has a whopping 22 million. However, some advocates claim the reported numbers may not be a true reflection of actual cases since in many countries, stereotypes prevent many from being tested for the virus and being accurately counted.
