Disturbing news on HIV/AIDS
published: Tuesday | November 2, 2004

THE EDITOR, Sir:

I AM writing this letter with regard to a presentation done by Dr. Peter Figueroa at the Shortwood Teachers' College. It is stunning to note the fact of the rapid increase of HIV/AIDS in Jamaica. Persons are living at risk and are not aware of how dangerous this disease is to human life. Dr. Figueroa said that there are 22,000 persons living with HIV/AIDS in Jamaica; however, this figure is only for the reported cases.

Can you imagine the number of cases which were not reported? People once thought that homosexuals were the largest carriers of HIV/AIDS, but that has been proven wrong as the majority are heterosexuals.

Dr. Figueroa also stated that there are different organisations working with AIDS victims and he referred to different counselling services that are offered. His presentation has left disturbing information with us students, staff, visitors and friends of the Shortwood Teachers' College. I hope the information and reminder will help to open the eyes of the Jamaican society because our country is too small for such a plague.

I am, etc.,

KENEILA LOPEZ