With a prevalence rate of HIV infection of 1.5 percent and a population of about 27,000 people, there could be as many as 400 people living with HIV in the British Virgin Islands. Fifty-five persons are confirmed to be living with the disease.

During 2006, eight new HIV cases – five females and three males – were reported to the Ministry of Health and currently, there are more women than men reported with HIV infection. These are some of the findings published in the National AIDS Programme’s 2006 Annual Report that was tabled in a recent sitting of the House of Assembly.

“Fifty-five HIV cases may seem small and not significant. However, this is a high number for this disease when viewed in terms of the total population of the BVI,” the report states. The report states that the number of reported HIV infected cases have increased steadily over the past three years but it is difficult to establish realistic HIV statistics because many people travel overseas for various medical treatments.

“In 2006, two pregnant women were diagnosed HIV infected. One pregnant woman gave birth before the end of 2006. Both the mother and infant are receiving medical follow up. The other pregnant woman has decided to seek care and treatment overseas because of the concerns related to confidentiality,” the report states.

STATS

* HIV/AIDS cases: June 1985 to December 31, 2006:
55 (24 females and 31 males)

* Deaths due to AIDS from June 1985 to December 2006:
26 (9 females and 17 males)

* Total known still alive December 31, 2006
25 (13 females and 11 males)

* The age range: 27-66 years old

Total of “status unknown” = 4 (2 females and 2 males)

According to the National AIDS Programme report, HIV/AIDS is not a homosexual disease.

“Currently, the highest rate of transmission occurs within heterosexual relationships. The heterosexual group reported sexual lifestyles that included multiple partners,” the report stated.

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