THE CONTAINMENT in the incidence of new cases of HIV in St. James, as reported last week by two senior health officials, is more than encouraging news.
Any slow-down in the rate at which persons acquire the disease is cause for celebration, but the news is welcomed at another level given previous high rates of growth in St. James, a parish whose economic mainstay is tourism. The image of a tourist Mecca of easy sex and fewer inhibitions has been bolstered over the years by the influx of what is now termed commercial sex workers in relatively high numbers. High unemployment rates in nearby parishes have also contributed to the problem.
Dr. Sheila Campbell-Forrester, regional director of the Western Health Authority and Dr. Yitades Gebre, executive director of the HIV/AIDS Control Project, have attributed the success to date to the prevention programmes implemented by the Ministry of Health, its attendant agencies and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). Central to their work have been extensive public education programmes, particularly among teens and young adults. Employers have found it necessary too to do their own internal awareness programmes, in part in response to requests to do so but also out of a sense of enlightened self-interest, having seen first-hand the devastating toll that the disease can have on their staff.
Yet as good as the news is, there can be no room for complacency. In a climate of budget constraints, there will be need to ensure that cut-backs do not have an adverse effect on the education programmes or in the availability of medical supplies. There must be a long-term commitment at the level of the Government to ensure not only further success in St. James but right across the island.
The HIV/AIDS pandemic has become, perhaps, the major public health concern across the world. Its impact on the education, welfare and education sectors has been devastating, in many instances undermining existing public health infrastructure. It is, therefore, imperative that any success in arresting and reversing the trends be maintained and bolstered.
We note that many private sector firms have already committed substantial funds to research and direct medical support. We urge that in the interest of the nation's health that more get on board and where practical those already involved, extend their financial support. It's in everybody's interest.
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