In January 2017, the Ministry of Health’s National HIV Programme will adopt the 2015 WHO guidelines, which recommend that anyone who is diagnosed HIV positive be offered treatment (Test and Start).
This new recommendation is based on current scientific evidence from clinical trials and observational studies demonstrating that initiating antiretroviral therapy earlier results in better clinical outcomes for persons living with HIV (PLHIV) versus delayed treatment.
The announcement was made at the HIV annual review and planning retreat that was executed by the Ministry of Health’s HIV unit on Wednesday November 16, 2016 at the Hilton Rose Hall and Resort. With the ‘Test & Start’ initiative it is anticipated that an additional 1200 new patients will be eligible to initiate treatment. Treatment as a method of prevention is another benefit of these new guidelines as more PLHIV are virally suppressed and consequently the risk of transmission is decreased.
Testing is a critical tool in the management and treatment of HIV as people with HIV who know they are infected can get HIV treatment (antiretroviral therapy, or ART) that can keep them healthy for many years.
It is estimated that over twenty nine thousand persons are currently living with HIV in Jamaica; but approximately 19% are unaware of their status.